Team Penske star dealt NASCAR demotion blow at Pocono

NASCAR Cup Series star Ryan Blaney has been dealt a demotion blow at Pocono after Team Penske made changes to his No. 12 Ford.

Blaney is the defending Cup Series race winner at Pocono Raceway having beaten Denny Hamlin to the victory at the tricky triangle last year, but now faces a massive uphill task to repeat his success this time around.

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During the rain delay for today's race, Blaney confirmed that he will be sent to the rear of the field for the start of the Great American Getaway 400, with Team Penske having to replace his starter engine following qualifying on Saturday.

Blaney had qualified 20th during Saturday's session, but he will now be one of six drivers sent to the rear ahead of the green flag when the action eventually gets underway this evening.

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Six drivers sent to the rear at Pocono

The changes made to Blaney's No. 12 come under 'unapproved adjustments', as per Dustin Albino, and the standard penalty for this is being sent to the rear of the field.

Ahead of this month's Cup Series race at Michigan, for example, 23XI's Tyler Reddick suffered the same fate.

Joining Blaney at the rear of the field for such an infraction will be Josh Berry, Bubba Wallace, William Byron and Cody Ware, some of whom did not set qualifying times due to their issues.

At the very back of the field will be Brennan Poole in the No. 44 after his NY Racing team failed pre-race inspection multiple times this weekend, hit with a quadruple penalty as a result.

After a delayed start time, NASCAR plans to kick off the race at Pocono at 4:30 pm ET.

READ MORE: NASCAR confirm Hendrick Motorsports cars set for further scrutiny after Pocono inspection

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