Kevin Harvick's car failed inspection. He lost his berth.
https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/sports/local/kevin-harvick-stripped-of-berth-in-nascars-championship-race-after-car-fails-inspection/83-612185586
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Kevin Harvick has been stripped of his berth in NASCAR's championship race because his winning car failed inspection after Texas Motor Speedway.
NASCAR said Wednesday the discovery made after Harvick's win negates the automatic berth he earned into the finale. The No. 4 had an illegal spoiler.
The rule in question states that spoilers must be used exactly as supplied from the manufacturer and not altered. The infraction was discovered when NASCAR gave the car a further inspection in North Carolina.
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Now, three spots will be up for grabs this Sunday in Phoenix.
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http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/25205002/kevin-harvick-failed-inspection-win-penalties-include-no-automatic-championship-berth
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Harvick was docked 40 points, crew chief Rodney Childers and car chief Robert Smith were each suspended for the last two races of the season, and Childers was fined $75,000. snip