Stephen Kopcik Suspended By NASCAR For Actions At North Wilkesboro Mod Tour Race; Tyler Rypkema Fined

NASCAR announced Wednesday that Whelen Modified Tour driver Stephen Kopcik has been suspended for his actions during the FaithFest Evangelistic Ministries 150 Sunday at North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

On lap 105 of the event, Kopcik ended a feisty battle for fourth place with Tyler Rypkema by sending Rypkema’s car viciously into the turn one wall. The move by Kopcik looked intentional and apparently served as retribution for Rypkema tapping Kopcik in the rear the lap before. 

Kopcik was suspended for one event and fined $1,500 by NASCAR and put on probation through Dec. 31, 2025. The next series event is the J&R Precast 150 on May 31 at Seekonk (Mass.) Speedway.

According to NASCAR, the rule infraction for Kopcik is as follows: 

12-8.1 Member Conduct Guidelines

C. #4 Intentionally wrecking another vehicle, whether or not that vehicle is removed from Competition as a result.

Rypkema was out of the race after the incident. Kopcik was black flagged by NASCAR following the incident, dropping him from fifth place to 13th place. Kopcik ultimately finished sixth in the event. 

After three of 16 events on the NASCAR Modified Tour schedule this season, Kopcik is fifth in the driver standings, eight points behind standings leader Craig Lutz. 

It marked the second NASCAR suspension for Kopcik in less than 15 months. Kopcik was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR on Feb. 29, 2024. That punishment stemmed from Kopcik being arrested for his involvement in fight at a minor league hockey game and not reporting the arrest to NASCAR. 

Kopcik was also suspended for four events by Stafford Speedway on Aug. 8, 2022 following an on-track brawl involving 15 people during an SK Modified event at the track. In that incident, Kopcik got out of his car and tackled fellow SK Modified driver Dan Wesson after a crash, setting off a melee in turns one and two between crews for both teams. 

NASCAR also announced Wednesday that Rypkema has been fined $500 for his actions following the wreck. He will be on probation through Dec. 31, 2025. Rypkema went onto the track after the incident as Kopcik’s car came around under caution. Rypkema flipped off Kopcik as he drove by.

According to NASCAR, the the rule infraction for Rypkema is as follows:

12-8.1 Member Conduct Guidelines

1. Heat of the moment actions or reactions, either on or off the race track.

E.1. Actions by a NASCAR Member that NASCAR finds to be detrimental to stock car racing or NASCAR.

9-4.2.1 On-Track Incident Procedure

A 3 After being directed to exit the vehicle, the driver must immediately proceed to either the ambulance, other vehicle or as otherwise directed by safety personnel or a NASCAR Official.

5 At no time should a driver or crew member(s) approach another moving vehicle.