CONCORD, N.C. — The playoff picture has undergone a major change after NASCAR disqualified Alex Bowman Sunday night at the Charlotte Roval.
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According to Cup Series Director Brad Moran, the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro failed post-race inspection.
"As we were running (the cars) through, unfortunately, the 48 had an issue," Moran told media members at the NASCAR hauler. "It did not meet minimum weight, so we put the car to the side and continued on (with inspection).
"We did give (the No. 48 team) the opportunity to fuel the car as well as purge the water system and add water. So, we give them every opportunity to make minimum weight, we run them back through. Unfortunately, they were light again."
According to Moran, the teams are allowed a 0.5 percent weight break during post-race inspection, compared to the car's starting weight. He estimates that this is about 17 pounds. He said that the weight discrepancy with the No. 48 was more than that allotted amount.
Moran did not provide more details about the inspection considering that NASCAR expects Hendrick Motorsports to appeal the disqualification.
This appeal, if it happens, will be expedited, which means it will take place in the next couple of days as the series prepares to kick off the Round of 8.
"We are working to understand the issue and will make a decision Monday about whether to submit an appeal," Hendrick Motorsports said in a statement.
The No. 48 Chevrolet will remain at the NASCAR R&D Center until the situation is resolved.
This disqualification ends what had been the strongest playoff run of Bowman's career. He started the postseason answering questions about his future at Hendrick Motorsports and then he went out and scored the most points of any driver in the Round of 16.
This consistency moved Bowman to the Round of 12. He then continued stockpiling points while other drivers dealt with on-track incidents and mechanical issues.
Bowman didn't score a top-10 finish at the Roval on Sunday. Instead, he crossed the line 18th. He won a stage and added 10 points and another playoff point to his total. This was solid enough to move him on to the Round of 8.
Now, however, he will watch his Hendrick Motorsports teammates move on in the playoffs without him after the disqualification took all these points away. Team Penske's Joey Logano will also move on in the playoffs after taking Bowman's spot.
