TALLADEGA, Ala.: In a surprising turn of events, Kyle Larson’s bid for a fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series pole was abruptly halted on Saturday morning at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
The No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro cleared pre-qualifying inspection at the 2.66-mile superspeedway, but as the car was being pushed to pit road, the team made an unapproved adjustment to the roof rail.
Because of the unapproved adjustment, NASCAR informed the team they would be denied an opportunity to qualify for Sunday’s GEICO 500.
The team led by crew chief Cliff Daniels was pushed from pit road to the Cup Series garage and will start 38th in the 188-lap race.
NASCAR has also hinted at the possibility of additional penalties for the team’s decision, which could be announced post-Talladega. Typically, NASCAR delivers the penalty report on Tuesday afternoon following a race weekend.
Larson’s team is the second NASCAR team to be penalized during qualifying at Talladega this weekend. Without taking part in time trials, Larson will also lose pit selection.
Entering Talladega, the Las Vegas Cup winner had won three straight Cup Series poles at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, Martinsville (Va.) Raceway and last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.
Earlier this season, the Stewart-Haas Racing teams of Noah Gragson and Ryan Preece were each docked 35 points after NASCAR discovered altered roof rail deflectors on each race car during the inspection at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February.
On Friday, JD Motorsports with driver Garrett Smithley’s qualifying time was disallowed after the team’s roof hatch was not fully secured during Smith’s one-lap qualifying session.
The issue cost the team dearly trying to make Saturday’s Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega, as Smithey would be bounced from the starting grid.
39 Xfinity cars entered Saturday’s race; however, with the disqualification, Mason Massey, who initially failed to qualify, was higher in owner points than Smithley’s No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro, which gave the SS-GreenLight Racing team the final spot in the field.
Editor’s Note:Late Saturday, Larson’s No. 5 HendrickMotorsports.com Chevrolet finally cleared technical inspection. However, NASCAR issued former penalties to the 2021 Cup Series championship team that included the ejection of the car chief. Larson will also be required to make a pass-thru penalty following the green flag which will likely put Larson in danger of losing a lap early in the 188-lap race.
The Hendrick Motorsports team will receive no further penalties for Saturday’s infraction.
Follow Chris Knight on X (Twitter) @Knighter01 or email at [email protected].
