By Toby Christie, NASCAR Editor
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Jimmie Johnson is looking to make history by capturing a seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. That championship bid took a hit just before the start of the Ford EcoBoost 400.
Johnson’s car was sent back to the technical inspection area after NASCAR did not like something that they saw on the A-post of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS. After making changes to the car, NASCAR allowed the No. 48 team to take the car back to the grid. However, Johnson will now have to start from the rear of the 40-car field.
Under the current Chase format — established in 2014 — the final four eligible drivers race at Homestead with the highest finisher of the four drivers taking the title at race end. Defending champion, Kyle Busch will start ninth, Carl Edwards will start 10th, Joey Logano will roll off from the 13th starting spot.
With the penalty, Johnson — who was set to start from the 14th position — will be at a huge disadvantage to start the race.
