AVONDALE, AZ - MARCH 17: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, and Ryan Blaney, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford, walk to their cars during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on March 17, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

NASCAR has a new points leader after huge penalties are handed out


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Kyle Larson held a one-point lead over Martin Truex Jr. after last Saturday's race at Kentucky Speedway, but he fell to second after being penalized and docked 35 points.

NASCAR docked Larson 35 points and suspended crew chief Chad Johnson for three races after an illegal rear brake cooling assembly was found in Larson's car after his second-place finish at Kentucky.

Related: This driver swept every stage at Kentucky Speedway for his third win of the year

Chip Ganassi Racing will not appeal the suspension or the loss of points, and they said they will "accept the penalty" and will move forward in a statement.

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Truex is now the leader after winning his third race of the season, and he has a 34-point lead over Larson. His car passed the inspection following the race.

Kyle Busch, who is in third place in the standings, was fined $10,000 for an unsecured lug nut after Saturday's race.

Larson has a chance to make up some ground on Sunday afternoon at the Overton's 301 in New Hampshire.

(h/t ESPN)

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