Blaney’s team penalized before Darlington start

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emailBy Kelly Crandall | September 6, 2020 12:05 PM

Ryan Blaney is in a hole to start the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs following an inspection infraction at Darlington Raceway.

Team Penske has lost 10 driver and owner points from Blaney’s No. 12 team for improperly mounted ballast on its Ford Mustang in pre-race inspection. Blaney also loses his starting position, which was seventh, for the Southern 500 and will start from the rear of the field (6 p.m. ET, NBCSN). Crew chief Todd Gordon has also been ejected from the event.

“Team Penske’s No. 12 Ford Mustang was penalized for Improperly Mounted Ballast during inspection this afternoon prior to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington,” the team said in a statement to the media. “A 5lb bag of lead that is typically used during setup at the shop to simulate fluid weights prior to the race engine being installed was accidentally left in the car. The team accepts the penalty and Travis Geisler will serve as the crew chief for the No. 12 team this evening.”