NASCAR Cup Series Driver Hit With Pre-Race Penalties Before Darlington Showdown

LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE - AUGUST 23: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Dutch Boy Ford, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 23, 2026 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) GettyThe NASCAR Cup Series playoffs got off to a difficult start for Ryan Blaney before he even reached the track for qualifying. Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford failed pre-qualifying inspection twice Saturday a