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Michigan International Speedway — Two NASCAR Cup Series teams faced significant setbacks during pre-race inspections on Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, resulting in the ejection of their respective car chiefs and the loss of valuable pit selection privileges. The No. 17 RFK Racing Ford, driven by Chris Buescher, and the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, piloted by J.J. Yeley, both required three attempts to pass the rigorous technical inspection process, a rarity that triggered standard penalties.
Out of the 37 entries attempting to qualify for Sunday’s race, a substantial 26 cars successfully cleared inspection on their initial try. An additional nine teams managed to rectify issues and pass on their second attempt. However, the instances involving Buescher’s and Yeley’s teams highlight the stringent nature of NASCAR’s technical regulations and the consequences for teams unable to meet them promptly.
The No. 17 Ford, representing RFK Racing, a team with a decorated history in NASCAR, found itself repeatedly returning to the inspection station. Chris Buescher, currently holding a strong eighth-place position in the championship standings, was unable to get his machine through the initial checks. The repeated failures necessitated a third attempt, a process that ultimately concluded with a successful inspection but at a considerable cost.
Similarly, the No. 44 Chevrolet, fielded by the part-time NY Racing Team, also struggled to meet the inspection criteria. For J.J. Yeley, this race marks only the third Cup Series start of the 2026 season for the organization. As the sole open entry in the field, the team’s challenges in inspection underscored the difficulty faced by smaller, less-resourced operations in consistently meeting the demanding technical standards.
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As a direct consequence of these multiple inspection failures, car chief Josh Sisco of RFK Racing and Lee Leslie of NY Racing Team were ejected from the racetrack. This means both individuals are prohibited from participating further in any race weekend activities. The ejections are a stark reminder of the accountability placed on the crew chiefs and car chiefs to ensure their race cars are compliant with NASCAR’s rulebook.
Beyond the personnel ejections, both teams were handed a significant competitive disadvantage: the forfeiture of their pit stall selections. Regardless of their qualifying performance, Buescher and Yeley will be assigned the final two pit stalls available on pit road after all other teams have made their choices. Pit stall selection is a crucial strategic element in NASCAR racing, influencing crew’s ability to execute fast pit stops and maintain track position. Starting with the least advantageous pit stalls can present a substantial hurdle throughout the 400-mile event.
The recurrence of multiple inspection failures is not an isolated incident in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This situation echoes previous instances where teams have encountered similar difficulties. Notably, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway earlier in March, four different car chiefs were ejected from the track due to inspection issues, underscoring a pattern of compliance challenges across the garage. NASCAR’s commitment to a level playing field necessitates strict adherence to its technical specifications, encompassing dimensions, weights, aerodynamic components, and safety features.
Teams that fail inspection three times typically face a pass-through penalty during the race, forcing them to drive through the pit lane without stopping for service. Fortunately for Buescher and Yeley, their teams managed to avoid this more severe on-track penalty by ultimately passing inspection on their third attempt. However, the ejections and loss of pit selection represent substantial penalties that could impact their race performance.
Michigan International Speedway, a track known for its high speeds and wide racing surface, typically rewards teams with strong horsepower and efficient aerodynamics. The ability to maintain clean air and execute seamless pit stops is paramount. The penalties imposed on the No. 17 and No. 44 teams could therefore have a magnified effect on their ability to contend for strong finishes.
RFK Racing, co-owned by NASCAR legends Jack Roush and Brad Keselowski, has a well-established reputation for engineering excellence and consistent performance. Buescher, a seasoned driver, has been a consistent threat in the Cup Series, often demonstrating strong runs at intermediate-sized tracks like Michigan. His team’s inspection woes represent an uncharacteristic stumble in what has otherwise been a solid 2026 campaign. The team will need to rely on Buescher’s driving skill and the team’s ability to overcome the pit stall disadvantage to salvage a strong result.
NY Racing Team, a newer entrant to the Cup Series, operates with a more limited budget and resources compared to multi-car organizations. Their participation as an open team is vital to the sport, providing opportunities for drivers and teams outside the established charter system. The inspection challenges faced by Yeley’s team highlight the ongoing efforts required for such organizations to compete at the highest level. Their ability to overcome these initial hurdles and perform well at Michigan will be a testament to their dedication and ingenuity.
The NASCAR Cup Series schedule is demanding, with races occurring weekly and requiring meticulous preparation from every team. The technical inspection process is a critical component of ensuring fair competition and driver safety. While occasional failures are to be expected, the repeated nature of these issues for the No. 17 and No. 44 teams underscores the importance of thorough pre-race preparation and the strict enforcement of NASCAR’s rules. As the season progresses, teams will continue to push the boundaries of innovation within the rulebook, and the inspection line will remain a pivotal juncture for every competitor aiming for victory. The focus now shifts to how Buescher and Yeley, with their respective teams, will navigate the challenges presented by these pre-race penalties at the historic Michigan track.
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