Well… Inspection following Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway has been completed, and this one’s a doozy.
Both Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch – the first and second-place finishers from Sunday’s 160-lap contest – have been disqualified from the event, handing the victory to Chase Elliott – who crossed the start-finish line in third place.
As of the time of publishing, NASCAR has yet to provide a reason for the disqualification of the No. 11 and No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camrys.
UPDATE – NASCAR’s RULING:
According to Brad Moran, the NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director, the No. 11 and No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing cars failed post-race inspection due to some issues with the front facias of their cars that affected the aerodynamics on the car.
“There really was no reason why there was some material that was where it shouldn’t have been,” Moran said.
Both cars will be sent to the NASCAR R&D center for further evaluation. Joe Gibbs Racing does have the ability to appeal the ruling, but at this time the infraction will count as a DQ for both teams and they will be credited with finishing 35th and 36th in Sunday’s race.
