Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch finished first and second at Pocono Raceway Sunday afternoon, but both of their Joe Gibbs Racing vehicles were disqualified after failing post-race inspection, and Chase Elliott, who had finished third was declared the winner. It would have been Hamlin’s third win of the season and record-setting seventh win at Pocono.
It was the first time since 1960 that Nascar disqualified an apparent race winner. Both JGR cars were sent to the Nascar research and development center in North Carolina for further evaluation. A front end piece appeared to be modified according to Nascar inspectors. Elliott received the victory, despite not leading a lap of the race. Unless an appeal reverts the decision, it would be Elliott’s fourth win of the year.