Well rules don't play a large part in this sport, like others. Here are some that can effect out come of race.
Speeding down pit lane 15 seconds. What they do after your pit crew has completed there work. They hold you 15 seconds more. Good way to looe a lap.
Run over jack or air hose in pits. Stop and go. They make you return to pit box and stop and go. Another way to loose a lap, or at least put you in the back. They were going to drop that one. I do not know if they did. Next have one of your tires' get away from the pit crew and go acrosse pit road. Return to pit and 15 second penalty. All cars must pass spec inspection before race. Or they can not race. But All Do Pass. Proper fuel must be used. If you have doctored up fuel or for that matter any spec item. If caught after the race. You can loose race if you were the winner. Or they have other rules for this. Such as moveing you back 15 spots and so on. You only see that about once a year. To many pit crew members over the wall. Stop and go penalty . If they feal you have ran into someone from behind on purpose. I believe that is one lap penalty. If you are believed to be dropping oil on the track. They will black flag that car. Can cost you many laps. Bobby Labonte, has had bad luck so far. That team is good so he will be back in hunt soon. I hope this helps. I could be off a little on a couple. But im close.