In deciding to suspend Austin Hill, and all the championship implications that come with it, NASCAR reviewed on-board telemetry and all video evidence.

The suspension and points penalty drastically alter Hill’s path to the postseason. With only three events remaining—Watkins Glen, Daytona, and Portland—Hill now finds himself in a must-win scenario to clinch a playoff berth, despite his earlier success this year.

NASCAR has come down heavily on Austin Hill after he took out Aric Almirola at Indianapolis in a retaliatory move.