CONCORD, N.C. — Alex Bowman is out of the playoffs after his car failed post-race inspection and was disqualified Sunday night at the Charlotte Roval.
The penalty puts Joey Logano back into the Round of 8 — at this time.
Hendrick Motorsports can appeal, which would be heard this week. If the team wins the appeal, Bowman would be back in the Round of 8.
Hendrick Motorsports stated Sunday night: “We are working to understand the issue and will make a decision Monday about whether to submit an appeal.”
Hendrick Motorsports has until 5 p.m. ET Monday to decide if to appeal.
Brad Moran, managing series director for the Cup Series, said Bowman’s car did not meet the minimum weight requirement after the elimination playoff race. All playoff cars go through inspection after the race.
Moran said that after the No. 48 car failed inspection for minimum weight, the team was given the opportunity to fuel the car and purge the water system and add water.
When the car went back through the weight station again, the vehicle remained light.
Section 14.17.2.2.C of the Cup Rule Book states: “After a vehicle has raced, the minimum overall vehicle weight of all vehicles must be within 0.5% of the minimum overall vehicle weight required at the start of the Race.”
Moran said that is about 17 pounds.
Moran would not say how much Bowman’s car was underweight citing the potential for an appeal. NASCAR took the No. 48 car to its R&D Center.
Bowman originally finished 18th in Sunday’s race. With the disqualification, he is listed as finishing last in the 38-car field.
If Hendrick Motorsports appeals, it will be an expedited appeal. That means there is only one appeal hearing. It would take place this week.
The decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel would be final. There is no opportunity to appeal to the Final Appeal Officer as is allowed in any other type of appeal.
With the disqualification, Hendrick Motorsports has three drivers in the Round of 8: Roval winner Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and William Byron. Team Penske has two drivers: Ryan Blaney and Logano. Joe Gibbs Racing has two drivers: Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell. 23XI Racing has one driver: Tyler Reddick.
Logano originally fell four points short of the final transfer spot Sunday, losing it to Reddick.
The Round of 8 begins on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (2:30 p.m. ET on NBC).
