NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR Cup Series driver hit with late demotion at St Louis

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson Sunday 7 September 2025 20:30 Updated: 21:23

Photo: © IMAGO

A NASCAR driver has been hit with a late demotion ahead of Sunday's Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway.

The 1.25-mile track, commonly referred to as Gateway, is set to see the Cup Series stars complete 240 laps in what is the second race of the 2025 playoffs.

However, ahead of the action, Justin Haley and his No. 7 crew at Spire Motorsports have been dealt a blow, with reports confirming that they will be sent to the rear of the field ahead of the green flag due to unapproved adjustments made to their vehicle.

As per NBC Sports' Dustin Long, the team replaced Haley's steering rack ahead of the race.

Ty Gibbs' No. 54 also saw a change made ahead of the race. However, his brake rotor change comes under approved adjustments if for safety reasons.

NASCAR Cup Series St Louis starting lineup

Haley had been set to start in 31st position after qualifying on Saturday afternoon. However, with the No. 7 set to be sent to the rear, here is how the starting lineup looks for Sunday afternoon's race:

Starting Pos	Driver (Car No.)	Team
1	Denny Hamlin (11)	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
2	Kyle Larson (5)	Hendrick Motorsports Chevy
3	Chase Briscoe (19)	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
4	Ross Chastain (1)	Trackhouse Racing Chevy
5	Ryan Blaney (12)	Team Penske Ford
6	William Byron (24)	Hendrick Motorsports Chevy
7	Tyler Reddick (45)	23XI Racing Toyota
8	Christopher Bell (20)	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
9	Austin Cindric (2)	Team Penske Ford
10	Zane Smith (38)	Front Row Motorsports Ford
11	Chris Buescher (17)	RFK Racing Ford
12	Josh Berry (21)	Wood Brothers Racing Ford
13	Joey Logano (22)	Team Penske Ford
14	Bubba Wallace (23)	23XI Racing Toyota
15	Austin Dillon (3)	Richard Childress Racing Chevy
16	Erik Jones (43)	Legacy Motor Club Toyota
17	AJ Allmendinger (16)	Kaulig Racing Chevy
18	Shane van Gisbergen (88)	Trackhouse Racing Chevy
19	Chase Elliott (9)	Hendrick Motorsports Chevy
20	John Hunter Nemechek (42)	Legacy Motor Club Toyota
21	Ty Gibbs (54)	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
22	Kyle Busch (8)	Richard Childress Racing Chevy
23	Brad Keselowski (6)	RFK Racing Ford
24	Noah Gragson (4)	Front Row Motorsports Ford
25	Alex Bowman (48)	Hendrick Motorsports Chevy
26	Daniel Suarez (99)	Trackhouse Racing Chevy
27	Carson Hocevar (77)	Spire Motorsports Chevy
28	Michael McDowell (71)	Spire Motorsports Chevy
29	Cole Custer (41)	Haas Factory Team Ford
30	Todd Gilliland (34)	Front Row Motorsports Ford
31	Cody Ware (51)	Rick Ware Racing Ford
32	Ryan Preece (60)	RFK Racing Ford
33	Riley Herbst (35)	23XI Racing Toyota
34	Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47)	HYAK Motorsports Chevy
35	Ty Dillon (10)	Kaulig Racing Chevy
36	Justin Haley (7)	Spire Motorsports Chevy

NASCAR NASCAR Cup Series

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