Bubba Wallace will start at the rear for Sunday’s Daytona 500 after his 23XI race car failed inspection twice, NASCAR confirmed.
NASCAR also kicked the boss out of the team’s car.
Wallace’s car passed its third inspection attempt.
Wallace will relinquish his sixth starting position on his debut with 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
MORE: Bubba Wallace ready for the spotlight
Wallace took sixth starting position by finishing second in the qualifying race on Thursday. Austin Dillon overtook Wallace to win on the final lap.
It’s nothing but a G thang..BAY BEH https://t.co/a5MItzbpw3
– Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) February 14, 2021
Wallace’s team boss Mike Wheeler also tweeted about inspection issues:
Things were going pretty well over the past week. So be it – shake it and do it again. Long 500 miles today. Looking forward to a great result. # DAYTONA500
– Michael Wheeler (@MikeCWheeler) February 14, 2021
Wallace’s car is one of 10 that go to the rear before the race starts.
Others go to the rear to start: Cole Custer (reserve car), William Byron (reserve car), Ross Chastain (reserve car), Brad Keselowski (reserve car), Chase Briscoe (reserve car), Kaz Grala (reserve car), Anthony Alfredo (reserve car), Martin Truex Jr. (radiator / oil cooler change) and Erik Jones (engine change). According to the rule book (single engine rule), Jones will also start at the rear of next weekend’s race on the Daytona road circuit.
The race is scheduled to receive the green flag at 3:05 pm Eastern Time.