• NASCAR writer for ESPN.com • 2009, 2013 NMPA Writer of the Year • More than 25 years experience covering motorsports
Kevin Harvick is no longer locked into a NASCAR Cup Series playoff spot as his race-winning car from Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway was found to have illegal alterations to the rear spoiler.
NASCAR slammed the Stewart-Haas Racing team with penalties, including not allowing Harvick to use the win for the automatic berth to be among the four drivers who will vie for the championship Nov. 18 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Harvick was docked 40 points, crew chief Rodney Childers and car chief Robert Smith were each suspended for the last two races of the season, and Childers was fined $75,000.