HAMPTON, Ga.— With a new rules package and a new season upon the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS), inspection becomes an issue for the first couple of races as teams try to find the red tape.
Qualifying was not going to be delayed due to the inspection issues because every team had made one attempt at inspection well before 5 p.m. EST.
NASCAR said that teams were pushing the limits on the templates. Before teams hit the track for practice, they will go through a safety inspection before hitting the track. Teams had the option earlier today to go through the templates. Many teams did take advantage of that option.
According to Elton Sawyer, Vice President of Officiating and Technical Inspections, stated, “The teams asked for this and they’ve asked us to stay consistent and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
According to the NASCAR Rule Book, drivers must start the race on the same tires they qualified on. The drivers who did not make a lap will start the race on sticker tires compared to those who made laps in qualifying.
Michael McDowell, Cole Whitt, Jeffery Earnhardt, Derrike Cope, and Cody Ware did not make a lap in qualifying due to the inspection issues.
- Busch Sweeps at Bristol - August 20, 2017
- Busch Wins UNOH 200 From Pole - August 17, 2017
- Busch Scores NCWTS Bristol Pole - August 16, 2017