Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has confirmed via Twitter that Takuma Sato will be the fourth driver to be penalized 10 spots on the starting grid for tomorrow night’s Firestone 550 at Texas Motor Speedway (8 pm ET, NBC Sports Network).
The penalty is due to an unapproved engine change after Sato’s Honda powerplant appeared to let go in the final minutes of tonight’s practice session, causing him to come to a stop just off the frontstretch. He had qualified 10th earlier on Friday, but will now have to start 20th in the race.
Also sustaining 10-spot engine penalties for Texas are Mike Conway, Simona de Silvestro and Josef Newgarden. Conway had qualified 8th but will start 18th as a result.
