The No. 44 NY Racing Team has been handed multiple penalties after the car failed pre-race inspection three times before finally passing on its fourth attempt. As a result, car chief Mark Labretone has been ejected from the event weekend.
The series of inspection failures triggered a combination of consequences under NASCAR’s rulebook. The No. 44, driven by Brennan Poole this weekend, will forfeit its right to participate in qualifying and will not be permitted to select a pit stall based on performance. In addition, Poole will be required to serve a pass-through penalty after taking the green flag in Sunday’s race, further impacting its chances to contend.
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The No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford, driven by Josh Berry, will also start from the rear after having to replace the rear clip above the diffuser during Saturday’s practice.
UPDATE: NASCAR announced Sunday afternoon the full slate of cars to the rear, which included defending winner Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford. Blaney told Prime Video during pre-race that his team elected to change the starter.
Additional cars sent to the rear for unapproved adjustments included Ty Dillon’s No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota, William Byron’s No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and Cody Ware’s No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford.
MORE: Byron hits inside wall hard during qualifying at Pocono
Sunday’s event at Pocono Raceway will be the 17th race of the 2025 Cup Series season, with 10 races left before the playoff field is set for the 2025 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.