The Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway will start with a stop-and-go penalty for Michael McDowell and Spire Motorsports after issues in pre-race inspection.
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According to NASCAR, the No. 71 team failed inspection on the first attempt. They then passed all stations on the second attempt. However, officials spotted the team making an unapproved adjustment to the splitter.
The struts were reinstalled on the No. 71 Chevrolet. It then went over the USS once again. It failed due to the adjustment.
These unapproved adjustments will lead to a substantial penalty. McDowell will have to start the race from the rear of the field. He will then have to serve a stop-and-go penalty on the opening lap of the race. This will likely put him one lap down in the opening stage of the race.
Additionally, the No. 71 team lost pit stall selection for the race. NASCAR also ejected crew chief Travis Peterson for the rest of the race weekend.
Kansas Speedway has not been among McDowell's best tracks throughout his Cup Series career. The Arizona native has made 28 starts there but has only posted one top-10 finish. He crossed the line in 10th place during the 2024 spring race.
Granted, these numbers don't tell the full story. He failed to finish his first seven starts at the track due to issues with the cars he drove.
The No. 71 team of Spire Motorsports is not the only one that dealt with issues during pre-race inspection. According to NASCAR, the No. 51 team of Rick Ware Racing failed inspection two times. The team passed on the third attempt but received a penalty.
Cody Ware and the No. 51 team lost pit stall selection as a penalty. NASCAR also ejected car chief Dave Jones for the rest of the race weekend.
Additionally, the No. 88 of Trackhouse Racing made unapproved adjustments prior to Saturday's practice session. NASCAR ejected crew chief Stephen Doran and took away pit stall selection.
Shane van Gisbergen will have to start the race at the rear of the field. He will then also have to serve a stop-and-go penalty after taking the green flag.
All of the Round of 12 drivers passed inspection on Saturday. However, Ryan Blaney's team will have to go through inspection again on Sunday after going to a backup car for the race due to a crash.
