NASCAR issues two indefinite suspensions for drug policy violations

While the penalty report following the Pocono Raceway weekend did not include any sanctions against Corey LaJoie, who hit Kyle Busch entering Turn 1 on Lap 121, causing a seven-car crash during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400, the sanctioning body did announce two indefinite suspensions for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Cordell Cahill and RJ Otto were the two gentlemen who received warnings for violating Sections 4.1 and 10.1.A of the NASCAR Rule Book Member Code of Conduct. These are conduct violations related to NASCAR’s substance abuse policy.

Cahill, 42, was IT support for the 23XI Racing team this season, according to NASCAR’s Roster Portal.

Otto, 32, served as interim crew chief for Bret Holmes and the No. 32 Bret Holmes Racing team for the final three races of the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. It does not appear that Otto has been named to a NASCAR team roster thus far during the 2024 season, meaning he has likely worked exclusively in the shop for a team.

Also included in NASCAR’s weekly penalty report was a $2,500 fine for Niece Motorsports crew chief Phil Gould, who was assigned to the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado at Pocono Raceway. After a top-five finish by Ross Chastain, the truck was found to have a loose lug nut during a post-race inspection, leading to the fine for Gould in this week’s penalty report.