A NASCAR spokesperson confirmed that the suspension is due to violating Section 12.1 of the NASCAR Rule Book for “actions detrimental to stock car racing.” No further details have been released.
Dippel was scheduled to compete in this weekend’s Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in the No. 02 Chevrolet for Young’s Motorsports. The team has made no comment about the suspension and has not announced who will fill in for Dippel Sunday afternoon in the Chevrolet Silverado 250.
The 19-year-old is currently 13th in the series standings and has one top-five finish after finishing third at Michigan on August 10. He also has three top 10s this year but did not qualify for the Playoffs.
The NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Chevrolet Silverado 250 is scheduled for Sunday, August 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
Young’s Motorsports issued the following statement on their Twitter account Saturday morning.
“We understand NASCAR’s position regarding Young’s Motorsports driver Tyler Dippel and accept their decision. Our team was notified of the decision on Thursday, August 22. We respect the NASCAR policy as well as the process that NASCAR has gone through for this matter.
“Young’s Motorsports is disappointed with the situation and will evaluate its future course of action in regards to Dippel. We are finalizing our plans for the race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will announce those details as soon as they are complete.”
They later announced that DJ Kennington would replace Dippel in the No. 02 entry for the race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
Update: On Wednesday, Aug. 28, NASCAR confirmed that Dippel had been reinstated.
Dippel issued a statement on his Facebook page explaining the incident in question.
“I would like to start by apologizing to my fans, Young’s Motorsports, NASCAR, Gander Outdoors, our partners, and my family and friends for the grief this situation has caused. Due to an ongoing investigation we have not been able to speak on the topic until today.
“On August 18, while driving home from the Orange County Fair Speedway, I was pulled-over for changing lanes without proper signal. The trooper asked my passenger and myself if we had been using drugs and we responded with “no” – because we hadn’t. The trooper continued to question us and then asked to search the vehicle, which I gave him my consent as I had nothing to hide. In the back of my truck was a friend’s backpack who was not with us containing his prescription medication. Because it was in my vehicle, I was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Upon my appearance ticket, I contacted NASCAR within hours to inform them of the situation. Due to the NASCAR rule book and code of conduct, they ruled to suspend me indefinitely. I respect their decision.
“Early this morning, at the Town of Wallkill Court, the charges against me in this case were dismissed. We presented proof that the prescription was not mine and the person that the prescription belonged to accepted responsibility for leaving them in my vehicle.
“I along with my team will work closely with NASCAR to hopefully be reinstated so I can be back in the Young’s Motorsports No. 02 Chevrolet. I take full responsibility for my actions.
“Thank you again to everyone who has supported me. I look forward to seeing everyone soon.”
Dippel is scheduled to compete in the next Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sept. 13.
