NASCAR is conducting a deeper inspection of Kyle Larson's No. 5 car after his third-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway. The car has been taken to the NASCAR R&D Center, increasing the risk of potential penalties, although most inspections result in clearance.
NASCAR is performing a deeper inspection process after the Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend. Kyle Larson's No. 5 car for Hendrick Motorsports has been taken to the NASCAR R&D Center for further inspection after Bristol, the sport announced. Larson finished in third place at Bristol for his best finish of the 2026 NASCAR season.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver hasn't been as fast to start of the 2026 Cup Series season, but found some more pace at Bristol. NASCAR taking Larson's No. 5 car to the R&D Center doesn't automatically mean something is wrong; however, it does heighten the risk of a potential penalty.
In the NextGen car era, drivers and teams have received significant penalties when NASCAR takes a car to the R&D Center. There have been several occasions when they have lost over 100 points due to an infraction. Most cars are cleared after going to the R&D Center, but exceptions exist.
Larson will likely be OK; however, NASCAR has blasted teams in the past for any wrongdoing.
More: 5 NASCAR drivers on the 'Hot Seat' during 2026 Cup Series season
This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: NASCAR to further inspect Kyle Larson's No. 5 car after Bristol
NASCAR decided to inspect Kyle Larson's No. 5 car following its performance during the Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he finished in third place.
The inspection could lead to penalties for Larson's team, as NASCAR has previously imposed significant point deductions for infractions discovered during such inspections.
The NASCAR R&D Center conducts thorough examinations of cars to ensure compliance with regulations, and while most cars are cleared, some may face penalties if violations are found.
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