NASCAR ejects crew members from Chicagoland Speedway

NASCAR has issued penalties ahead of the race at Chicagoland Speedway

This weekend, NASCAR has returned to Chicagoland Speedway. The 1.5-mile track is hosting the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time since 2019.

Qualifying took place on Saturday, ahead of tomorrow’s race. Before rolling to the track, all cars must clear NASCAR inspection.

Michael McDowell was not permitted to qualify and will start the race from the rear of the field. The Spire Motorsports team failed pre-qualifying inspection three times.

Per the rules, NASCAR has also ejected the car chief of the No. 71 team. McDowell will also be forced to serve a pass-thru penalty at the start of the race during green flag conditions. Pit selection has also been revoked.

The No. 71 team still must clear inspection.

Kyle Larson also failed inspection twice but they were able to clear it on their third attempt. NASCAR has ejected the No. 5 car chief. They have also lost pit selection.

NASCAR lineup and TV schedule for Chicagoland (July 2026)

NASCAR Inspection Penalties
Pre-Qualifying

The following includes various levels of inspection penalties:

1 Failure
No Penalty

2 Failures
Crew member of NASCAR’s choosing ejected. Additionally, the team loses pit selection.

3 Failures
Not permitted to qualify plus above penalty. They also have to serve a pass-through penalty at the start of the race.

Links

Chicagoland Speedway | NASCAR