In the lead-up to the Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway, two NASCAR Cup Series teams faced inspection failures. Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 car and Live Fast Motorsports’ No. 78 both failed inspections twice, incurring penalties such as crew chief ejections and loss of pit stall selection. This situation places extra pressure on the teams, especially for Austin Dillon, who has a poor track record at this venue. Both teams must navigate these challenges as they prepare for the race on February 22, 2026.

By the Numbers
  • Austin Dillon has only one top-10 finish in 18 starts at EchoPark Speedway.
  • Dillon's odds to win the race are currently listed at 55/1.
State of Play
  • The No. 3 car passed a third inspection attempt, avoiding further penalties.
  • The No. 78 car's third inspection attempt was incomplete by the deadline, with potential re-inspection scheduled.
What's Next

As teams regroup ahead of re-inspections and qualifying, potential outcomes include starting positions being affected, with the possibility of harsher penalties for the No. 78 if it fails again. The upcoming race is expected to be competitive, with drafting likely leading to last-lap excitement.

Bottom Line

The challenges faced by these two teams underscore the critical nature of inspection compliance in NASCAR, reinforcing the importance of precision in setups as they head into the race amidst pressures of penalties and past performance struggles.