Playoff races in NASCAR are already intense, but recently, the spotlight has shifted to something off the track. Of late, heavy emphasis is laid on what drivers and spotters say over the radio. Teams are being warned or penalized for simply mentioning points, standings, or giving strategic guidance. NASCAR says it’s about preventing race manipulation, but many insiders like Dale Earnhardt Jr. feel that the rules are becoming too strict.

The controversy isn’t new, but recent events have made it more visible. During the Charlotte race, Denny Hamlin passed Ross Chastain on the final lap, which helped Joey Logano advance to the next playoff round. Hamlin himself said he “would not have passed him” if he’d known the points situation. On his podcast, Dale Jr used Hamlin’s example to spotlight

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