Blaney's car fails post-qualifying tech inspection

Ryan Blaney will start last on Sunday afternoon at Kansas Speedway after his No. 21 Ford failed post-qualifying inspection.

Having posted the third-quickest time in qualifying, Blaney's car failed inspection when NASCAR official deemed that the package tray did not maintain its original shape. His qualifying time was disallowed, and Blaney will start 40th.

The package tray is located at the rear of a NASCAR vehicle. As described in the NASCAR Rule Book, it must fill the area between the rear quarter panels/C-posts, above the rear wheel wells, the rear window and the rear firewall between the rear wheel tubs.

Per the rule book, the package tray must remain flat and straight from front to back.

“The rules are pushed to the max in every area, and today the NASCAR officials found something they didn’t like about our car," said team co-owner Eddie Wood. "We’re not disputing their decision. We’ll own it and move on.
 
“We’ll work on our car in Saturday’s practice, line up in the back on Sunday and look forward to watching Ryan drive his way to the front.”

The Hollywood Casino 400 is the second elimination race in the playoffs and Blaney seventh in the playoff standings with only a nine-point advantage on the cutline. Furthermore, the No. 21 team will now have the last pit stall pick next weekend at Martinsville Speedway.