As if the absence of the reigning champion, Joey Logano, wasn’t enough, another shocker unfolded in the world of Roger Penske. The driver of the No. 12 Ford Mustang of Team Penske arrived in Las Vegas with an impressive track record, boasting an average finish of 12.4 in 14 races (better than Denny Hamlin‘s), marked by 5 top-5 finishes and 8 top-10 finishes.

At Las Vegas, Ryan Blaney not only showcased his driving prowess but also secured an impressive P6 finish, despite starting in the 12th position. However, it appears that the driver of the No. 12 may find himself in a situation reminiscent of Kevin Harvick‘s experience at Talladega, albeit for a different reason.

All the hard work put in by Team Penske drivers, but fails post-race inspection

Isn’t it somewhat ironic that it was Ryan Blaney who achieved a thrilling photo finish at Talladega Superspeedway, with Kevin Harvick finishing second? However, the post-race car inspection revealed a twist of fate for Harvick. It was discovered that Harvick’s Ford had loose windshield fasteners, leading NASCAR to disqualify him, stripping him of his P2 finish and relegating him to the last position.

Now, in Las Vegas, it’s Ryan Blaney facing disqualification, but for entirely different reasons. Despite crossing the finish line in sixth place, the 29-year-old will be credited with a last-place finish, earning him just one point and forfeiting the eight stage points he scored during the race.

The penalty drops Ryan Blaney to the bottom among the Round of 8 playoff drivers, leaving him in a must-win situation next week at Homestead. NASCAR clarified that the left front shock on Blaney’s Ford did not meet the specified minimum length, referencing Section 14.11.3.5, which outlines the minimum extended damper lengths for each shock.?Notably, NASCAR fans with keen eyes have drawn parallels between Blaney’s and Harvick’s disqualifications, highlighting similarities between the two incidents.

Watch This Story: Rick Hendrick Painful Confession After Chase Elliott?s Playoff Flop

NASCAR fans are quick to uncover the sport’s behind-the-scenes drama

Trending

NASCAR Insider Urges Rick Hendrick to Rope In ‘Next Kyle Larson’ After $100,000 Win

“My Body Needed Time”: Tony Stewart’s Wife, Leah, Discloses Her Roadblocks to Motherhood Amid Racing Dilemma

Joe Gibbs’ Grandson Calling Out NASCAR’s Reluctance With ‘900HP’ Demand Earns Fans’ Approval

Toyota Eyeing Complete Australian Takeover Amid Kyle Busch’s Failed Supercars Ambition

Denny Hamlin Backs Furious Martin Truex Jr’s Allegations of No ‘Respect’ From NASCAR Rivals

Certainly, in the world of NASCAR, one constant presence is the vigilant eye of the spectators, who leave no detail unnoticed. So, when Ryan Blaney’s disqualification came swiftly on the heels of him amassing a substantial +39 points, fans were left in shock, and their reactions were anything but mild.

One fervent NASCAR enthusiast couldn’t contain his frustration, exclaiming, ?Oh my fucking god just fucking shoot me.? His disbelief was shared by others who were concerned about Blaney’s drop to the bottom of the top-8 chart, with one remarking, ?Blaney will all but need to win now,? to make it to the championship-4.

Observant fans also noted how the disqualification would have a significant impact on the points standings, with one fan expressing, ?That would…actually change the points holy shit.? Another sympathized with the Team Penske driver, simply stating, ?Day of PAIN.?

However, some fans didn’t hold back in suggesting a perceived bias against Ford by NASCAR. First, there was the disqualification of Kevin Harvick’s No. 4 Ford, and now Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Mustang faces a similar fate.

In response, a few fans expressed their frustration, with one exclaiming, ?Lol NASCAR actively f*cking Ford every way they can,? while another sarcastically remarked, ?Another L for the Ford camp. Going all out this year, aren’t they? /s?

Is NASCAR experiencing issues with a particular manufacturer, or are these incidents merely part and parcel of the sport, applicable regardless of the car’s make, be it a Chevy or otherwise?

Read More: Christopher Bell Makes Painful 9-Word Admission After Falling 0.082 Seconds Short of Appeasing Joe Gibbs