Chandler Smith fined $10,000 for safety violation in Cup Series qualifying at Talladega

NASCAR has fined Chandler Smith for a safety violation during Saturday’s Cup Series Qualifying ahead of Sunday’s YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Smith didn’t wear a required head sock and/or helmet skirt, resulting in a $10,000 fine. Smith, making his third Cup Series start behind the wheel of the No. 13 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing, finished a career-best 14th at Talladega.

The 21-year-old is a regular in the Xfinity Series for Kaulig Racing, in which he remains as one of the final eight drivers going for the championship. He received the call-up for Talladega with Kaulig Racing running a third charter alongside AJ Allmendinger and Justin Haley.

Smith came away pleased with his performance at Talladega.

“While I hate that we didn’t get to finish a bit higher up, we ran really well today,” Smith said. “I’m happy that we keep improving every time we bring the No. 13 Quick Tie Products Camaro ZL1 on track.”

Chandler Smith replaces Matt DiBenedetto in Truck Series

In addition to his Cup Series and Xfinity Series obligations, Smith took part in the Truck Series race at Talladega for Rackley W.A.R. in place of Matt DiBenedetto. DiBenedetto parted ways with the race team last month.

“I’m super-grateful for Rackley W.A.R. giving me the opportunity to run their truck this weekend at Talladega,” Smith said. “Being able to represent Rackley Roofing, W.A.R. Shocks, and this entire organization is extremely cool. I’m definitely proud of and looking forward to the opportunity.”

Smith raced his way to a fourth place finish in Saturday’s Love’s RV Stop 250. Smith is a five-time winner in the Truck Series and is considered one of the best young talents in NASCAR. He has a win this season in the Xfinity Series at Richmond.