Due to the rule that no team is allowed more than four teams in the same race, Dale Earnhardt Inc. removed the No. 81 Chevrolet, driven by Regan Smith, from Watkins Glen.

Kerry Tharp, NASCAR Spokesman, explained that a team is allowed to enter five teams given that the fifth entry is driven by a rookie. There is a seven race limit on the rule, but it is so the driver can get familiar with the competition.

If DEI would put Aric Almirola in the No. 81 the organization would be able to enter five cars at The Glen. Almirola only has five starts this season.

“We brought it to their attention that [Smith] would not be permitted to run in the fifth car,” Tharp said. “We told them they could move Aric Almirola into that fifth entry. They went back to discuss it and decided not to enter the fifth car.”