NASCAR has suspended Whelen Modified Tour driver Stephen Kopcik for his actions during the race on Sunday at North Wilkesboro.
Kopcik hooked Tyler Rypkema into wall on Lap 105 of the event, the conclusion to a back-and-forth battle, and one that looked intentional enough for race control to issue an aggressive driving penalty in real-time.
Rypkema had bumped Kopcik the lap prior.
In addition to the one race suspension, NASCAR also fined Kopcik $1,500 and placed him on probation for the rest of the season. The next race is May 31 at Seekonk. Kopcik is fifth in the standing and eight points out of the championship lead.
The rule infraction is as follows:
12-8.1 Member Conduct Guidelines
C. #4 Intentionally wrecking another vehicle, whether or not that vehicle is removed from Competition as a result.
Additionally, Rypkema was fined $500 and placed on probation through the end of the season for leaving his car and walking down a hot track to flip Kopcik off.
The rule infraction is as follows:
12-8.1 Member Conduct Guidelines
1. Heat of the moment actions or reactions, either on or off the race track.
E.1. Actions by a NASCAR Member that NASCAR finds to be detrimental to stock car racing or NASCAR.
9-4.2.1 On-Track Incident Procedure
A 3 After being directed to exit the vehicle, the driver must immediately proceed to either the ambulance, other vehicle or as otherwise directed by safety personnel or a NASCAR Official.
5 At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach another moving vehicle.
Matt Weaver is the owner and founder of Short Track Scene. Weaver grew up in the sport, having raced himself before becoming a reporter in college at the University of South Alabama. He also has extensive experience covering NASCAR, IndyCar and Dirt Sprint Cars.
