Clint Bowyer desperately needs a win at Richmond to qualify for the playoffs, but he hasn't gotten off to the best start.
Bowyer was penalized during the race because his pit crew went over the wall too soon.
PENALTY FOR CLINT BOWYER: His pit crew went over the wall too soon! #NASCARonNBCSN #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/9aPQxI0ut5
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 10, 2017
Related: Playoff contender fails to finish at Darlington
This is an error you might expect to see early in the season, but it's rare to see it so late in the year--especially with a playoff berth on the line.
The penalty comes a week after Bowyer failed to finish last week at Darlington.
Bowyer still has a chance to make a comeback and win the race, but that's not the start he needed.