NASCAR issued penalties following Monday's Axalta "We Paint Winners" 400 at Pocono Raceway.
Chad Johnston, crew chief for Kyle Larson in the Sprint Cup Series, has been suspended by NASCAR for this weekend's race at Michigan International Speedway. Larson's No. 42 was found to be in violation of sections 12-1; 10.11.3.4 a, which states "All tires, wheels, and all five lug nuts must be installed in a safe and secure manner at all times during the event," and 12.5.3.4.1 p, which states "Any identification of missing lug nut(s) on a wheel Post-Race."
In addition to his suspension, Johnston has been fined $20,000 and placed on NASCAR probation through December 31.
Johnston is the fourth Sprint Cup Series crew chief to face suspension as a result of NASCAR's new lug nut policy. Tony Gibson and Randall Burnett were suspended for Pocono after violations found after the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
NASCAR also issued written warnings to several teams for inspection violations at Pocono. The teams of Regan Smith (4) and Matt DiBenedetto (2) received written warnings for failing laser inspection twice during pre-race tech.
According to NASCAR rule 12.5.3.1, when a team receives its fourth warning, it will result in the loss of pit selection. If the violation is found prior to qualifying, the penalty will be assessed at that event, or if the violation is discovered after pit selection, the team will lose its pit stall selection at the following event.
The team of Jamie McMurray received a written warning from NASCAR for failing template inspection twice during pre-race inspection at Pocono. The teams of Aric Almirola, Danica Patrick and Ty Dillon also received written warnings for various pre-qualifying inspection violations last week.