Queue the drama for Richmond.
NASCAR announced on Wednesday that they have made a change to post qualifying inspection for the final regular season race at Richmond International Raceway. Instead of taking place following qualifying on Friday, NASCAR will now conduct inspection for the Federated Auto Parts 400 on Saturday.
Cars will be impounded following qualifying with any car failing the post-qualifying/pre-race inspection having it’s qualifying time disallowed thus forcing it to the rear of the field. The move eliminates a pre-race inspection as both will be taking place at the same time.
This is not the first time NASCAR has done this. The same technique was used for races at Pocono in July and Watkins Glen in August. At Pocono there were 13 cars, including both front row cars, who were forced to vacate their qualifying times and move to the rear of the field. Races later this year at Indianapolis and Martinsville will also follow this schedule.
The change in inspection helps limit the number of hours that NASCAR officials and crew members spend at the track. It takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes for the entire Cup field to be inspected.
