CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Martin Truex Jr. moved into first place of the NASCAR Cup Series after Kyle Larson was penalized for a post-race inspection at Kentucky.
Larson’s crew chief has been suspended and his team was penalized 35 points Wednesday, erasing what had been a one-point advantage over Truex in the driver standings. Larson is still 66 points ahead of third-place Kyle Busch.
Larson’s No. 42 Chevrolet was penalized for a rear brake cooling assembly that did not meet standards. Crew chief Chad Johnston was suspended three races and fined $75,000. He will miss Cup races starting this weekend at New Hampshire.
Chip Ganassi Racing says it will not appeal NASCAR’s penalty.
Truex, who drives the No. 77 car for Denver-based Furniture Row Racing, leads all drivers this season in race wins (3) and stage wins (13).
NASCAR has also fined Busch’s crew chief Adam Stevens $10,000 after an unsecured lug nut was found in post-race inspection.
The Denver Post contributed to this report.
