The driver known as “Rocket Man” appeared to escape the wreck without any serious injuries, as he walked out of a local hospital Wednesday afternoon under his own power. There is currently no timeline for Newman’s return, so Roush Fenway Racing will turn to Ross Chastain in the No. 6 Ford for Sunday’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
MORE: NASCAR schedule for all Cup Series races
Unfortunately for Chastain, he wasn’t able to hop on the track Saturday ahead of the Pennzoil 400 (3:30 p.m. ET, Fox). A steady stream of rain canceled qualifying, so the starting lineup will be set based on 2019 points, per the NASCAR rulebook. That puts Kyle Busch on the pole, with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. on the outside of the front row.
Because of inspection issues, however, Busch will drop to the rear for the start of the race. Racing to the front could be a huge issue for the reigning series champion, given handling issues that plagued the No. 18 Toyota during Friday’s practice sessions.
Joining Busch at the rear of the field will be Hamlin — another Gibbs teammate — as well as Christopher Bell of Leavine Family Racing. The Toyotas of those three drivers failed pre-qualifying inspection for attempting to manipulate the noses of the cars, which did not fit specifications.
NASCAR levied L1 penalties on the three teams, resulting in the loss of 10 owner and driver points for each.
Kevin Harvick will inherit the pole position when Busch drops to the rear. Hamlin would have started fourth but for his infraction. Bell was slated to start 22nd.
Here’s a look at the field for this year’s Pennzoil 400.
Material from the NASCAR Wire Service was used in this report.
