Jimmie Johnson sent to back of field for issue with A-post

Six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson was forced to start the Ford EcoBoost 400 from the rear of the field after NASCAR found an issue with a front A-post in pre-race inspection on the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

The A-post is a piece of metal that runs from the front firewall area to the front end of the roof and connects the two.

All of the four championship contenders had to make multiple passes through the inspection area, most for violations of rear toe, the alignment of rear wheels.

Johnson is racing for a record-tying seventh championship, but this obviously puts him at a huge disadvantage. He had qualified 14th, but instead will start 40th.