Matt Kenseth's race-winning car has reportedly failed inspection at NASCAR's Research and Development Center according to the Associated Press. The driver was penalized 50 points and crew chief Jason Ratcliff was fined $200,000 and suspended six races, among other penalties.
The engine failed because one of the eight connecting rods "did not meet the minimum weight requirement according to multiple people familiar with the inspection speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The engine was supplied by Toyota Racing Development located in Costa Mesa, C.A.
"It is our understanding that one of the eight connecting rods on the engine was ruled too light," Joe Gibbs Racing said in a press statement.
The team announced they will appeal the penalty.
Kenseth will also not receive three bonus points for the win at the time of the Chase points reset if he makes the Chase according to Yahoo. Joe Gibbs Racing was also penalized 50 owner points and the owner's license on the car has been suspended for the next six races, which means that the car will be ineligible to accrue owner's points.
In addition to the fine and suspension, Ratcliff is on NASCAR probation until December 31.
The win at Kansas was the second this season for Kenseth. Joe Gibbs Racing has won four of the first eight races this season, though no issues were found with the first three wins as of press time.
The news regarding Kenseth comes shortly after NASCAR fined Penske Racing for using parts they deemed "unapproved" in the rear suspension of its vehicles at a Sprint Cup race in Texas recently according to Yahoo.
Penske had 25 points deducted from defending Sprint Cup Champion Brad Keselowski and his teammate Joey Logano.
Penske crew chiefs were fined $100,000 each and seven employees were suspended six races.
The team's appeal is scheduled for May 1 according to Reuters.
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