Sonoma, CA (Best E Casino) - NASCAR Nextel Cup points leader Jeff Gordon and 2006 Nextel Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet both failed NASCAR tech qualifying and will not be allowed to take part in Friday's qualifying session.

Both cars apparently failed for a problem with the left-front fender.

"The body was out of the range with what we thought was acceptable in the template inspection," said NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston.

Neither the No.24 Chevy or the No.48 Chevy will be allowed to take part in Friday practice. After the cars are repaired to NASCAR's liking, they will be allowed to practice on Saturday and participate in Sunday's race.

Gordon will start 41st and Johnson will start 42nd.

Penalties and any suspensions will be determined next week.

"It's important to know this is a Car of Tomorrow penalty," Poston added. "The inspection process and NASCAR's response to Car of Tomorrow violations are going to be more severe.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was penalized 100 points and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. fined $100,000 and suspended for six races for an illegal rear wing bracket on a COT in May.

The No.5 and No.25 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets both passed their inspections without incident.