Nos. 20, 51 Cup Series teams penalized after multiple pre-race inspection failures at Richmond

The Nos. 20 and 51 NASCAR Cup Series teams failed pre-race technical inspection twice on Friday at Richmond Raceway, resulting in penalties ahead of Saturday's Cook Out 400 (7 p.m. ET, USA Network, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR). RELATED: Richmond schedule As a result, both teams' car chiefs have been ejected for the remainder of the race weekend and will forfeit pit-stall selection. Chris Sherwood was ejected on the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, and Dave Jones was ejected on the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet. Entering Saturday's race, No. 20 driver Christopher Bell sits sixth in the Cup Series ranks after his second-place finish at Iowa Speedway vaulted him four spots. In total, Bell has seven runner-up results in 2026, tying Harry Gant (1981) for the most all-time without a victory. In 10 Richmond races, Bell has finished sixth or better seven times. No. 51 driver Cody Ware is 35th in points. Just three races remain until the Cup Series field of 16 Chase drivers is solidified.