#29-Kevin Harvick’s car failed post-qualifying inspection after Bud Pole Qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his speed/time was disallowed as the car did not have a full tank of fuel, which is required this year for qualifying, so he will start 42nd on Sunday.(Speed Channel’s Nextel Cup Series Qualifying Coverge)
AND From Speed Channel: The quirk was the #29 car of Kevin Harvick, who ran fourth-fastest. Harvick, however, was found to be in violation of a little-known rule which requires cars to qualify with a full tank of fuel. Harvick’s car was found to carry 18gal instead of the full 22gal.
UPDATE: Todd Berrier, Kevin Harvick’s crew chief, installed an illegal fuel cell in the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy for Bud Pole Qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway — one he said was rigged to appear filled to 22-gallon capacity while actually holding just five gallons. But Berrier said if they’d been a tick slower, NASCAR would never have known they were using an illegal cell. In seasons past, teams could qualify with the fuel load of their choice. But with NASCAR’s new impound procedure, they’re required to qualify with a full fuel load. Berrier doesn’t foresee a points penalty from NASCAR. “I’m sure they’ll fine us, but I don’t think they’ll take points,” he said. “It wasn’t a points event. It was a qualifying event.(NASCAR.com). NOTE: #21-Ricky Rudd’s and team were docked 25 drivers/owners points and #7-Gordon’s team was docked 25 points for infractions found in inspection, days before the Daytona 500. NASCAR tends to fine/penalize heavy for infractions involving the spoilers, fuel system and engines.(3-12-2005)
