Christopher Bell, in search of his fourth consecutive win in the NASCAR Cup Series, will start Sunday’s race from the rear after a mechanical issue on his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota after qualifying, a team spokesperson confirmed.
John Hunter Nemechek will also start from the rear for a mechanical change on his No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, a team spokesperson confirmed. FOX Sports first reported the news. NASCAR updated the list of those set to start at the rear during pre-race on Sunday, with Ryan Blaney (DNQ), Riley Herbst and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (unapproved adjustments) also being sent to the back.
MORE: Sunday’s starting lineup | At-track photos: Vegas
The two Toyota teams indicated trouble with the throttle body during their respective qualifying efforts. Bell had time-trialed the 13th-best lap, while Nemechek was scheduled to start 30th.
Because of the change, both will be forced to start from the rear for unapproved adjustments.
Bell, who sits second in points, has won each of the past three Cup races with victories at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Circuit of The Americas and Phoenix Raceway. He will attempt to score a fourth straight win on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The last driver to accomplish the feat was seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson in 2007.
Nemechek ranks 13th in the points standings through four races with one top five and two top 10s in the opening quartet of events.