By Toby Christie, NASCAR Editor
After Sunday’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400, the cars of race-winner Martin Truex Jr. and 12th-place finisher Jimmie Johnson failed post-race LIS (laser inspection station). But according to NASCAR, the infraction will not result in the loss of Chase advancement for Truex.
The penalty for both drivers should be of the P2 variety, which should result in a minimum of 10 points and a $15,000 fine.
With Truex’s Chase advancement not in question, the penalty definitely will hurt Johnson much more. A 10-point deduction would drop Johnson from eighth in the standings, to a three-way tie for the final advancing spot in the first round of the Chase with Austin Dillon and Kevin Harvick.
In addition, the cars of Greg Biffle and Aric Almirola were found to be missing a lug nut at the end of the event. The penalty for a missing lug nut in the Chase is typically a $10,000 fine.
All official penalties should be announced early this week.
