Paul Menard is starting in the rear today at Texas for a reason that will make him smile.
Jefferey Earnhardt is starting in the rear for a reason that should make him cringe.
Earnhardt got penalized for a transmission change, and Menard for having Daniel Hemric qualifying his car.
Going to rear for start today: Paul Menard (Hemric qualifies car), Jeffrey Earnhardt (transmission change). Green flag 2:16 ET. NBCSN PRN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 5, 2017
Hemric qualifying for Menard is more than understandable. He wasn't at qualifying on Friday because he became a daddy for the second time when his wife gave bitth on Wednesday.
With #PaulMenard celebrating the birth of his second child this week, @DanielHemric is going to practice & qualify the Atlas/@Menards Chevy. pic.twitter.com/sXnAsGqjhJ
— RCR Updates (@RCRupdates) November 3, 2017
Daniel Hemric qualified in the No. 27 Chevrolet for Menard since he wasn't available. But as a result, NASCAR rules say Menard is going to have to start from the rear.
Yes. Menard will have to start from the rear because he won't qualify the car. #nascar https://t.co/0mFEEzd7j8
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 3, 2017
That's a small price to pay.