Three teams failed pre-race NASCAR Cup Series technical inspection twice at Darlington Raceway on Saturday, leading to the ejection of crew members.
The No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford and the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford each failed to pass inspection on their second time through inspection ahead of practice and qualifying for Sunday’s Goodyear 400 (3 p.m. ET, FS1, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
MORE: Darlington schedule | At-track photos
As a result, each team lost the ability to choose its pit stall for Sunday’s 293-lap race. Additionally, No. 9 car chief Matt Barndt, No. 17 car chief Joshua Sisco and No. 66 car chief Dylan Roberts were ejected from the race weekend.
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Chevrolet, enters the race weekend fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series standings after five races, 87 points behind series leader Tyler Reddick. Chris Buescher, driver of the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford, is ninth in the standings, 109 markers behind Reddick. Timmy Hill, driver of the No. 66 Ford, is competing on a part-time basis and will make his first Cup start of the 2026 season, the 145th of his career.