NASCAR sends pole-sitter Ryan Blaney to rear after unapproved adjustments at North Wilkesboro

He was sitting on the pole, but now Ryan Blaney will have to start from the rear of the field at the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro. A tough blow for Blaney ahead of tonight’s return to the historic track. NASCAR has sent Blaney to the rear of the field for unapproved adjustments. The Penske driver talked the penalty before the race on TNT. “Unfortunately, we have to go to the back,” said Blaney. “Had a power steering pump issue that we had to address. That sticks, but at least we got number pit stall out of it. “I think the biggest issue with starting in the back is not trying to go a lap down early in the run. Trying to save your nose. Stack-ups and stuff like that, trying to keep yourself out of trouble.” Blaney feels confident about his car Despite the not-so-optimal start, Blaney does feel he has the car to make a strong run tonight. He’s more concerned about keep up with the changing track conditions. “It’s one of those things, but I feel like our Duracell Menards Ford Mustang was pretty good in practice. So, looking forward to see how we progress, move forward hopefully, and see how the track changes all night. “I think it’s really going to move around all night. I think it’s really going to move around all night, so hopefully, we’ll stay on top of all that.” Three penalties other than Blaney Three drivers were hit with penalties during inspection ahead of qualifying for the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro. Although qualifying was canceled due to weather, during pre-qualifying inspection Ross Chastain, Austin Hill, and Connor Zilisch were assessed penalties. Both Austin Hill and Connor Zilisch failed inspection twice. They will both lose pit selections and have a crew member ejected. Ross Chastain failed three times. He will have a drive-thru penalty as well as losing pit selection and having a crew member ejected.