NASCAR penalized two of the Cup Series teams after pre-race inspection concluded on Friday at Richmond Raceway.
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The No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE of Joe Gibbs Racing and the No. 51 Chevrolet Camaro of Rick Ware Racing both failed pre-race inspection twice. They both passed inspection on the third attempt.
Both of these teams will lose pit stall selection for the Cup Series race. Additionally, NASCAR ejected No. 20 car chief Clay Chris Sherwood and No. 51 car chief Dave Jones for the rest of the weekend.
Both Christopher Bell and Cody Ware had an opportunity to get out on the track after their cars completed the pre-race inspection process. Ware went out in Group 1, and he brought out the caution after spinning.
The No. 51 goes for a spin during practice. pic.twitter.com/5WBAQpsfsq
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 14, 2026
Rick Ware Racing stated on social media that the No. 51 team would not be able to take part in qualifying at Richmond Raceway due to a failure of the transaxle.
Bell, who has finished runner-up in seven races this season, had the opportunity to go out in the second group of the practice session. Though he had to wait for the team to warm up the engine and the fluids. NASCAR made the team wait until the start of the practice session.
He logged some laps while pursuing his first win of the season, one that could help him move further up the Cup Series standings.
Bell moved four spots up to sixth in the standings after finishing second behind teammate Ty Gibbs last weekend at Iowa Speedway.
"I mean, certainly all of the second-place finishes — they're trying and, in the moment, it really kind of feels like just a kick to the gut," Bell told media members before practice. "But then whenever Monday, Tuesday rolls around, you're like, 'Ah, it was a pretty darn good day.'
"So, ultimately, the results that we've gotten have meant a lot more this year than what they have in my entire Cup career with the format change. So, it's been nice to stack some good results together and we're performing really well right now. I certainly feel like we're in the mix."
