The NASCAR Cup Series has locked in the starting lineup for Sunday’s eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, confirming the 38 drivers who will take the green flag.
With the qualifying session complete, teams were granted the opportunity to choose their pit stalls in order of qualifying speed, giving front‑row starters first dibs on the most advantageous locations.
Penalties reshape the lineup
The No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Kyle Larson failed pre‑race inspection twice, costing the team the chance to pick a preferred stall, while the No. 71 Spire Motorsports entry for Michael McDowell was hit with three inspection failures that barred it from a qualifying lap.
As a result of the infractions, crew chief Jesse Saunders was ejected for the remainder of the weekend, and Michael McDowell will start the race from 38th position, incurring a pass‑through penalty once the green flag drops.
Travis Young, the car chief for the No. 71 entry, also faced an ejection, further stripping Spire Motorsports of critical technical support before the race.
With the pit stall assignments now set, teams are shifting their focus to race strategy, seeking to mitigate the disadvantages imposed by their altered pit positions and the penalties that loom over the event.