Six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and four-time champion Jeff Gordon were among the 13 drivers that didn't post qualifying times Friday in Atlanta after their cars didn't get through inspection in time.
Dozens of drivers failed NASCAR inspection in their first attempt at inspection and were forced to go around and try again, which resulted in a delay that prevented cars from reaching the track.
MORE: Logano on pole | Gordon's gift from AMS | Cold weekend in Hotlanta | Kyle Busch out of hospital
Richard Buck says "teams were really pushing the edges" on trying things today, which led to inspection clog-up.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 28, 2015Even though NASCAR delayed the start of qualifying 15 minutes due to the traffic jam, three-time champion Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth were also not able to make it on the track, while drivers Michael Annett, Matt DiBenedetto, Reed Sorenson, and Mike Wallace will miss Sunday's Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 due to not having enough owner points from last year to make the lineup.
Irrigated with being unable to complete a lap in qualifying, Stewart, Reed Sorenson and Regan Smith voiced their opinions on Twitter, while Gordon apologized to fans, calling the holdup "ridiculous."
I don't know what to say about today. Spent all of our practice working on qualifying. Didn't even get a chance to make a lap. Frustrating!
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) February 27, 2015If we would have known this was going to happen, we could have worked on the race setup. Was a total waste of a day at the track
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) February 27, 2015Still baffled by what happened today! Can't believe @NASCAR had that big of issue getting cars thru inspection. Will b fun coming from 35th!
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) February 28, 2015Don't know what to say about tonight. Not fair to the @RAB_Racing team. Worked hard not to get a fair chance to race.
— Reed Sorenson (@ReedSorenson36) February 28, 2015Disappointed we didn't have the chance to make a lap tonight. Lots to pass on Sun, up for the challenge and looking forward to it.
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) February 28, 2015