INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Ahead of Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, five drivers have been penalized and will be required to drop to the rear of the field before the green flag waves.
Backup Car Forces Hamlin to Rear
Veteran driver Denny Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, will start from the back after moving to a backup car. Teams typically turn to backup vehicles following crashes or damage sustained during practice or qualifying sessions. The move is in line with NASCAR regulations, which mandate that any competitor switching to a backup car after qualifying must relinquish their starting position.
Hamlin, a perennial title contender, had shown strong speed in the lead-up to the event, and the drop to the rear could alter his race-day strategy significantly.
Four Others Penalized for Unapproved Adjustments
Joining Hamlin at the back will be four other drivers due to unapproved adjustments:
Michael McDowell (No. 71) – RFK Racing affiliate and road course specialist, McDowell was expected to contend for a top-10 finish. His team’s last-minute changes, however, have cost him track position. John Hunter Nemechek (No. 42) – Driving for Legacy Motor Club, Nemechek has had a rollercoaster rookie full-time Cup season. The drop to the rear puts him in a tough spot on a track where clean air and positioning matter greatly. Zane Smith (No. 38) – The Front Row Motorsports driver, still adapting to full-time Cup competition, will now have to navigate traffic early to make progress. Jesse Love (No. 62) – Making limited Cup starts, Love will be looking to gain experience, though the setback could hinder his race rhythm.
Strategic Implications
Starting at the rear at Indianapolis presents a unique challenge. The Brickyard’s flat, fast 2.5-mile oval demands precision and patience. With track position being at a premium, these drivers will likely rely on pit strategy, cautions, and tire management to work their way forward.
NASCAR fans will be watching closely to see how these penalties affect the race’s outcome, especially for veterans like Hamlin who have the speed and experience to mount a comeback.
The Brickyard 400 remains one of the sport’s most iconic events, and Sunday’s edition promises drama from the drop of the green flag — even before the first lap is completed.
Stay tuned for live updates and full post-race coverage from the Brickyard.
