BREAKING NEWS: An Interesting Cheat, NASCAR Releases Images of Illegal Hydration Systems – Racing News…Read full news 

In a recent development that has sent ripples through the NASCAR community, officials have uncovered unauthorized modifications in the hydration systems of two teams during the 2025 Daytona 500. This discovery has led to penalties and raised concerns about adherence to safety protocols within the sport.

During pre-race inspections at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR officials identified that the No. 34 car, driven by Todd Gilliland of Front Row Motorsports, and the No. 51 car, driven by Cody Ware of Rick Ware Racing, had incorporated lead ballast into their driver hydration systems. This ballast was intended to manipulate the car’s weight distribution during inspection, a tactic that violates NASCAR’s stringent safety regulations. citeturn0search1

Specifically, the teams were found in violation of Section 14.11.2.1, A of the NASCAR Rule Book, which mandates that “any and all ballast added to the vehicle must be secured in a ballast container(s).” The unauthorized placement of lead weights within the hydration systems not only breached these regulations but also posed potential safety risks to the drivers. citeturn0search5

In response to these infractions, NASCAR imposed penalties on both teams. Each team incurred a deduction of 10 driver and owner points. Additionally, the crew chiefs—Chris Lawson for the No. 34 team and Billy Plourde for the No. 51 team—were ejected from the event. These measures underscore NASCAR’s commitment to maintaining fairness and safety within the sport. citeturn0search1

To further emphasize the seriousness of the violations, NASCAR officials showcased the illegal parts during the race weekend at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). This public display served as both a deterrent and an educational moment for other teams, highlighting the consequences of circumventing established safety protocols. citeturn0search1

Brad Moran, NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director, elaborated on the issue, stating that the ballast was strategically placed on the right side of the car, where the driver hydration system is located. He emphasized the importance of proper hydration for drivers and noted that such unauthorized modifications compromise both safety and integrity. citeturn0search1

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations in motorsports. NASCAR’s decisive actions reflect its unwavering commitment to enforcing these standards, ensuring that all teams compete on a level playing field while prioritizing the well-being of drivers.