NASCAR Today: Joey Logano Left Stranded by Fans and Team as Ryan Preece’s Misfortune Garners Support

The Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway saw some incredible storylines play out. Austin Cindric picked up his first win of the season to end Team Penske’s drought in 2025, and Kyle Larson secured a top-3 finish at a superspeedway! However, two narratives that dominated were Ryan Preece, securing his highest ever finish at 2nd place, and the defending Cup Series Champion, Joey Logano, finally getting a top-5 finish. Just as fans of these drivers started to celebrate, they got hit by the dreaded post-race inspection.

Post-race inspections rain on RFK and Penske parade

Following the Jack Link’s 500, NASCAR announced that both Ryan Preece and Joey Logano were disqualified after their cars failed post-race inspection. Preece’s No. 60 RFK Racing Ford was found to have three shims on its rear spoiler instead of the mandated two. This violates Rule 14.5.8.F., leading to a technical infraction.

According to this rule, teams are required to use exactly two shims on the spoiler to control its angle and aerodynamic properties. The rule aims to ensure aerodynamic parity by preventing any unfair advantage that could be gained by altering the spoiler’s positioning or flexibility. Using more or fewer shims than allowed can alter the spoiler’s positioning, potentially providing an unfair aerodynamic advantage.

Similarly, Joey Logano’s No. 22 Team Penske Ford was missing a spoiler bolt. This breaches Rules 14.5.8.E and 14.1.P. The former mandates that all components of the spoiler, including bolts and fasteners, must be properly installed and intact to ensure the spoiler meets the standardized aerodynamic specifications. A missing spoiler bolt, as in Joey Logano’s case, can alter the spoiler’s stability and aerodynamic effect. This can potentially provide the driver with an unfair advantage.

NEWS: The Nos. 60 and 22 cars have been disqualified following post-race inspection at @TALLADEGA due to spoiler infractions.

The No. 60 car is now credited with a 38th-place finish, and the No. 22 car with a 39th-place finish. pic.twitter.com/FxOkIExgiN

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 28, 2025

On the other hand, the latter rule ensures that every part conforms to NASCAR’s specifications and that no unauthorized modifications have been made. It acts as a catch-all to maintain parity and safety by verifying that the entire vehicle, as assembled, complies with the rulebook.

So what was supposed to be a day of celebration for Preece and relief for Logano quickly turned sour, as they were relegated to 38th and 39th place finishes, respectively. Both have been awarded only one point each, and this disqualification has reshuffled the top positions at Talladega. Kyle Larson has now moved up to second place, and William Byron to third.

Both teams have the option to appeal the disqualifications, and such appeals are typically heard before the next race. Do you think Penske and and RFK will appeal these infractions? Well, before they could do that, fans had their say on the disqualifications, and it was clear which side they were leaning toward.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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