Kasey Kahne Loses 15 Points for Rule Violation: Latest Details, Reaction

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Kasey Kahne had 15 points deducted from his total in the driver standings for failing rear-axle measurements after Sunday's AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway, per ESPN.com's Bob Pockrass.   

NASCAR also fined crew chief Keith Rodden $25,000 for the failed test that came after Kahne finished the race in fourth place. 

"I'm disappointed in NASCAR's decision, but we have to accept it and focus on the upcoming races," Rodden said in a statement, per Pockrass. "We have a great team with a lot of positive momentum that we hope to carry into the summer."

Pockrass also noted Rodden said pieces of the axle "bent unintentionally" throughout the race. 

Kahne was heading into the Sprint Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday with 286 points before the penalty, which was good for 16th in the standings and the last spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. With 15 points fewer, Kahne sinks to 20th. 

There is plenty of time for Kahne to make up the difference given that there are 14 races left in the season. 

He's struggled in 2016, though, as he is without a win through the first 12 races of the season. His fourth-place finish at Dover was just his second top-five finish of the year. 

Charlotte has been hospitable to Kahne, however, which could be vital for a quick turnaround and a comeback in the standings. He's won four times and finished in the top five on seven occasions in 18 career races there. 

If his struggles continue as the year progresses, though, and Kahne and his crew are unable to make the Chase, then this penalty could be looked upon as a fatal blow. 

Stats courtesy of NASCAR.com.