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NASCAR Ejects Driver's Crew Member Before Coca-Cola 600

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 24, 2025 3:56 PM ET

NASCAR's pre-race inspection for the Coca-Cola 600 took place this Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Let's just say it was a rough afternoon for one team.

With the Coca-Cola 600 almost here, Michael McDowell and the No. 71 team for Spire Motorsports will have to compete with one less member. That's because his car failed twice during inspection.

Usually, NASCAR ejects a driver's car chief if the team fails inspection twice. It's worth noting that McDowell's car chief, Griffin Ridder, was ejected from Phoenix Raceway earlier this season.

Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic pointed out that every other team involved in the Coca-Cola 600 passed inspection on either the first or second attempt.

"Michael McDowell’s car twice failed inspection. The team loses pit selection and will have a crew member ejected," Bianchi said. "No other issues in tech."

Obviously, this isn't ideal for McDowell and the No. 71 team. The last thing you want is to lose a crew member for the longest race of the season.

McDowell is currently 20th in points, but he might be feeling confident after earning a top-five finish in the All-Star Race last Sunday.

The Coca-Cola 600 will begin at 6 p.m. ET this Sunday. There are some concerns about the weather in Charlotte, but the latest forecast is encouraging.

"Still very good optimism and chance of a full CocaCola600 tomorrow, the rain looks to stay very isolated and away from the track between 6pm-11pm," WCNC Charlotte chief meteorologist Brad Panovich said.

This year's Coca-Cola 600 will stream exclusively on Prime Video.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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