NASCAR disqualifies Alex Bowman's car, sends Joey Logano back to Round of 8

CONCORD, NC — Alex Bowman is out of the playoffs after his car failed post-race inspection and was disqualified Sunday night at Charlotte Roval.

The penalty sends Joey Logano back to the Round of 8 — this time.

Hendrick Motorsports may appeal, which will be heard this week. If the team wins the appeal, Bowman will return in the Round of 8.

Hendrick Motorsports said Sunday night: “We are working to understand the issue and will make a decision on Monday whether to file an appeal.”

Hendrick Motorsports has until 5 pm ET Monday to decide whether to appeal.

Cup Series Managing Series Director Brad Moran said Bowman's car did not meet the minimum weight requirement after playoff race elimination. All playoff cars undergo post-race inspection.

Moran said that after the No. 48 car failed inspection for minimum weight, the team was given the opportunity to clean the car's fuel and water systems and add water.

When the car goes back through the weigh station the car remains lighter.

Section 14.17.2.2.C of the Cup rule book states: “After a vehicle has been raced, the minimum gross vehicle weight of all vehicles must be within 0.5% of the minimum gross vehicle weight required at the start of the race.”

Moran says that about 17 lbs.

Moran wouldn't say how much Bowman's car weighed, citing the possibility of an appeal. NASCAR took the No. 48 car to its R&D center.

Bowman originally finished 18th in Sunday's race. With the disqualification, he was listed as last in the 38-car field.

If Hendrick Motorsports applies, it will be an expedited application. That means there is only one appeal hearing. It will take place this week.

The decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel will be final. There is no right of appeal to the Final Appellate Officer as is allowed in any other type of appeal.

With the disqualification, Hendrick Motorsports has three drivers in the Round of 8: Roval winner Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and William Byron. Team Penske has two drivers: Ryan Blaney and Logano. Joe Gibbs Racing has two drivers: Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell. 23XI Racing has one driver: Tyler Reddick.

Logano originally fell four points short of the final transfer spot on Sunday, losing it to Reddick.

The Round of 8 begins Sunday, Oct. 20 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (2:30 p.m. ET on NBC).