Truex’s Chevrolet failed inspection before practice for Coke Zero 400, prompting NASCAR officials to impound the car and sending Truex’s crew scrambling to get the backup ready.
Truex enters Sprint Cup race 14th in the points standings, 71 points shy of being in position to be guaranteed a place in the Chase.
“The car fit our templates when they left the shop, then it got down here and apparently the greenhouse was too narrow for NASCAR’s liking”- John Story explained DEI’s Vice President of Motorsports Operations. “We worked on it as much as we could, but the more you work on it ... well, basically we weren’t able to get it fixed.”
“The engine that was in the backup car was not the preferred engine, so we’re going to go ahead and make an engine change and sit out the first practice session and then run the second session with the preferred engine,” Story said before opening practice.
The infractions also may cost Truex dearly in his attempt to qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Truex is 14th in the championship standings, 71 points behind 12th-place Kevin Harvick, who currently holds the last Chase-eligible position.
Based on its examination of the car in Concord, NASCAR will decide if penalties are warranted, and if so, will announce sanctions early next week.
I guess NASCAR saw something they didn’t like,” said Truex.
Truex wouldn’t say exactly what the problem was.
“Somebody made a big mistake,” he said. “It shouldn’t happen at this level of racing.”
Per standard operating procedure, NASCAR will look at the car early next week at their Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., and announce any further penalties shortly.
Any point hit could be detrimental to Truex’s title chances. Currently he is 71 points behind 12th place Kevin Harvick with nine races remaining before the Chase for the Sprint Cup begins.
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