Austin Cindric has been penalized by NASCAR after a controversial crash involving competitor Ty Dillon at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Cindric was fined $50,000 and docked 50 points for intentionally wrecking Dillon, drawing widespread criticism and calls for a potential suspension. NASCAR insiders have voiced concerns over inconsistent rulings surrounding the incident, while prominent drivers, including Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, weighed in on the severity of the punishment. Despite the backlash, NASCAR decided against a suspension, prompting discussions on the implications for the championship standings and the need for clearer penalty guidelines.