Truex and Johnson dodge penalties for failing inspection

Posted September 21, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - NASCAR will not penalize Martin Truex Jr. or Jimmie Johnson for failing inspection after the opening race of the playoffs.

Truex won Sunday's race at Chicagoland Speedway and Johnson finished 12th. Both cars failed the laser inspection with infractions that should have drawn 10-point penalties.

Although the infractions were similar, NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said the penalties would not have been equal. Truex advanced into the second round of the playoffs with his victory, but Johnson's chances of advancing would have been hampered by the loss of 10 points.

O'Donnell said not penalizing either driver was the fair decision.

All 16 teams in the Chase will go through the laser inspection after this Sunday's race at New Hampshire. Only nine were inspected at Chicagoland.

Jimmie Johnson (48) and Denny Hamlin (11) drive their car during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Chicagoland Speedway, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Joliet, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) The Associated Press

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