The engine from Matt Kenseth’s race-winning car has failed inspection, according to published reports by the Associated Press and ESPN.com Wednesday.
Report: Engine from Kenseth’s race-winning car at Kansas fails inspection
The engine Matt Kenseth used to win Sunday’s NASCAR race has failed inspection, according to multiple reports.
Jeff Zelevansky
Kenseth won Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway and his car initially cleared post-race technical inspection. But as is customary, NASCAR brings the winner’s car back to its Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. for further inspection and it was there a problem was discovered.
The Associated Press is reporting that the connecting rods in Kenseth’s engine did not meet the minimum weight requirement.
NASCAR has not commented on any potential violations, but both the AP and ESPN state that the sanctioning body is discussing what penalties, if any, should be imposed on the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team.
Toyota Racing Development is the engine supplier for JGR, as well as for Michael Waltrip Racing. JGR has won three other Cup races this season and had passed inspection in each instance.
Typically, any infractions involving an engine are dealt with harshly by NASCAR. The last offender was Carl Long, who was caught with an illegal motor in the 2009 All-Star Race. He was initially suspended 12 weeks, fined a record $200,000 and lost 200 championship points for an engine that was barely over the threshold allowed.
Later, on appeal, the suspension was reduced to eight weeks but the monetary penalty remained.
Likely penalties for the No. 20 team include lengthy suspensions for crew chief Jason Ratcliff and other team personnel, as well as the loss of 25 driver points for Kenseth.
NASCAR also has the discretion of not awarding Kenseth three bonus points for the win if he were to qualify for the Chase by finishing in the top ten in the series standings.
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