Inspection problems delayed Sprint Cup qualifying at Michigan

The #78 Furniture Row Racing crew members were in a bit of a frenzy during Friday's Coors Light Pole Qualifying at Michigan International Speedway: Crew chief Cole Pearn sprinted through the garage, as other crew members worked quickly on the #78 Toyota of Martin Truex Jr., trying to get it on track in time for qualifying's opening round. The #78 wasn't alone — Multiple trips through inspection for several Sprint Cup teams caused a backup in the queue that caused NASCAR to push knockout qualifying from 4:15 to 4:30pm/et.

According to FS1, 12 cars had yet to clear inspection by the original start time. Scott Miller, NASCAR's Senior Vice President of Competition, told FS1 that he believed teams were having trouble with new aerodynamic rules that eliminate rear-axle offset or "skew." That tweak (along with other aero changes) were used in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race; they will also be in effect for this weekend's race and next month's 400-miler at Kentucky Speedway. Brad Keselowski, whose car was one of the 12 held up in the line, said "no one (could) pass laser" inspection, which caused the blockage. NASCAR.com