Dillon & McLeod Fail NASCAR Inspection, Crew Chiefs Ejected at Atlanta

Atlanta, GA – The NASCAR Cup Series experienced a pre-qualifying inspection shakeup at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, February 21, 2026, resulting in the ejection of two crew chiefs and penalties for their respective teams. Both Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet and BJ McLeod’s No. 78 Live-Fast Motorsports Chevrolet failed inspection twice, triggering a standard set of NASCAR penalties.

Ryan Chism, car chief for the No. 3 team, was ejected from the track and barred from participating further in the race weekend. As a consequence, Richard Childress Racing will also forfeit their pit stall selection. Dillon’s car ultimately passed inspection on its third attempt, allowing him to still qualify for the race and retain his starting position.

The No. 78 team faced a similar fate. Ryan Henderson, car chief for McLeod’s No. 78 Chevrolet, was also ejected, and Live-Fast Motorsports will lose their pit stall selection. The No. 78 car, a part-time, unchartered entry, remains under scrutiny, and will undergo another inspection on Sunday morning. A further failure would result in a drive-through penalty at the start of the race and disqualification from qualifying. However, if the car passes on its third attempt, McLeod will be permitted to qualify and maintain his starting position, mirroring the outcome for Dillon.

These pre-qualifying inspection failures highlight the meticulous standards NASCAR maintains regarding vehicle compliance. The inspection process is designed to ensure fair competition and adherence to the series’ technical regulations. The repeated failures of both teams suggest potential issues with vehicle setup or components that required multiple attempts to rectify.

The penalties levied against the teams are consistent with NASCAR’s rulebook for inspection violations. The ejection of the car chiefs is a significant penalty, as it removes a key member of the team responsible for the car’s preparation and performance. Losing pit stall selection can also be a disadvantage, particularly on a track like Atlanta where pit strategy can play a crucial role in the outcome of the race.

The situation with the No. 78 team is particularly noteworthy given its status as a part-time entry. For a smaller team like Live-Fast Motorsports, the potential for a drive-through penalty and being forced to sit out qualifying represents a substantial setback. Successfully navigating the final inspection attempt is critical for McLeod to participate in the race and gain valuable track time.

Qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is scheduled for 11:00 AM EST on Saturday. The outcome of the No. 78’s re-inspection will directly impact the starting grid and the competitive landscape for Sunday’s race. The pressure is now on Henderson and the Live-Fast Motorsports team to address the issues that led to the initial failures and ensure the car meets NASCAR’s stringent standards.

The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of thorough preparation and attention to detail in NASCAR. Teams must ensure their cars are fully compliant with all regulations before submitting them for inspection, as even minor discrepancies can result in significant penalties. The stakes are high, and the consequences of failing to meet NASCAR’s standards can be severe, impacting both on-track performance and team morale.

The focus now shifts to the track as teams prepare for qualifying. The outcome of the session will set the stage for Sunday’s race, and the penalties handed down to Dillon and McLeod’s teams will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue to the competition. Fans will be watching closely to see how these teams respond to the challenges they face and whether they can overcome the setbacks to contend for a victory.