Johns replaces Labbe on the #3 for Richmond

Austin Dillon

Austin Dillon and Richard Childress Racing have been penalized for inspection issues last weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet failed pre-race laser inspection station five times last weekend at Bristol, prompting NASCAR officials to hand out several penalties this weekend at Richmond Int’l Raceway.

As a result, the team was penalized with the loss of 30 minutes of practice, will lose pit stall selection and will be forced to start Sunday’s race at Richmond from the rear of the field.

Friday morning Richard Childress Racing released a statement that said Dillon’s normal crew chief, Slugger Labbe, will be replaced by RCR’s Operations Director Sammy Johns at Richmond. The statement said Labbe will remain at the RCR shop in Welcome, N.C., to prepare cars for the upcoming race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Denny Hamlin will also miss 15 minutes of practice time for laser inspection issues at Texas Motor Speedway three weeks ago. Kenseth and Joey Logano will also lose 30 minutes of practice time for swerving at Bristol.

Team Statement:

Operations Director Sammy Johns will replace Slugger Labbe as the crew chief on the RCR No. 3 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Labbe will remain at the RCR shop to work on cars for next weekend's race at Talladega Superspeedway. RCR PR