Kevin Harvick will start 42nd on Sunday at Talladega. Credit: Autostock

Harvick's front-row time disallowed at 'Dega

Three rear-end violations send No. 29 Chevy to the rear Sunday

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Kevin Harvick qualified on the outside of the front row Friday at Talladega Superspeedway, but his time was disallowed after the No. 29 Chevrolet failed post-qualifying inspection.

	Elliott Sadler celebrates his third Bud Pole Award of the year. Credit: Autostock
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Following Harvick's qualifying run, the No. 29 Chevrolet was found to have a trio of illegalities in the rear end, sending him to rear of the field to start Sunday's UAW-Ford 500.

According to NASCAR officials, the trunk area of the race car was not properly sealed, nor was it properly vented to the outside as prescribed in the Nextel Cup Series rule book. Also, the shock doors inside the trunk area were open, rather than secured as required.

Added together, the three illegalities added rear downforce and less aerodynamic drag.

NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said penalties likely would be levied early next week.

Harvick had little to say other than "Ask (NASCAR). They don't know what they're doing from day to day."

When asked to clarify the differences between the Nos. 48 and 5 Chevrolets initially failing post-race inspection at Dover with no penalties, and the No. 29's illegality at Talladega, Hunter said NASCAR looks at each transgression singularly.

"I could understand that (sentiment), but I think every penalty is viewed as an independent penalty," Hunter said. "We've been consistent in saying that over a period of time.

"Today's penalty has nothing to do with something that happens in another race at another time."

He said the same goes for crew chief Todd Berrier, who is still serving season-long probation. According to Hunter, Berrier's prior transgressions had no bearing on NASCAR's decision.

The penalty creates an all-Yates front row for Sunday's UAW-Ford 500, as pole-sitter Elliott Sadler will now share the front row with Dale Jarrett.