NASCAR has issued two-race suspensions to members of the pit crews for Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe following incidents involving detached wheels during the recent Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. These penalties are part of NASCAR’s stringent safety protocols aimed at preventing potentially dangerous situations on the track.
**Details of the Incidents**
During the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas, both the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, driven by Kyle Busch, and the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, driven by Chase Briscoe, experienced issues where wheels became unfastened. Such occurrences can lead to hazardous conditions, not only for the drivers involved but also for other competitors and spectators. NASCAR’s rule book addresses these safety violations under Sections 8.8.10.4.A & C, which pertain to the proper installation and securement of wheels.
**Penalties Imposed**
As a result of these infractions, NASCAR has suspended two over-the-wall crew members from each team for the next two Cup Series races. The suspended crew members are:
– **No. 8 Team (Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet):**
– Dylan Moser (Jackman)
– Shiloh Windsor (Rear-Tire Changer)
– **No. 19 Team (Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota):**
– Caleb Dirks (Jackman)
– Daniel Smith (Rear-Tire Changer)
These suspensions will sideline the crew members for the upcoming races at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Martinsville Speedway. citeturn0search1
**Impact on Teams and Drivers**
The absence of key pit crew members can significantly affect a team’s performance during races. Pit stops are critical components of race strategy, and the efficiency and coordination of the pit crew directly influence a driver’s track position and overall race outcome. Both teams will need to adjust by either promoting backup crew members or reallocating existing personnel to cover the suspended roles.
In the Las Vegas race, Chase Briscoe managed to finish 17th despite the wheel issue, while Kyle Busch’s race was cut short after 35 laps due to the incident. citeturn0news10
**NASCAR’s Stance on Safety Violations**
NASCAR maintains a strict policy regarding equipment and safety violations to ensure the well-being of drivers, crew members, and fans. Detached wheels pose significant risks, including loss of vehicle control and debris on the track, which can lead to severe accidents. The enforcement of these penalties underscores NASCAR’s commitment to upholding safety standards and deterring teams from negligent practices.
**Additional Penalties Issued**
In addition to the suspensions related to the Cup Series, NASCAR’s weekly penalty report included fines for unsecured lug nuts in other series:
– **Xfinity Series:** Four teams were fined $5,000 each for having one unfastened lug nut after the race at Las Vegas. The teams penalized were:
– No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
– No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
– No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota
– No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
– **Craftsman Truck Series:** The team of Justin Haley was fined $2,500 for not having a lug nut safe and secure at the end of the race.
Furthermore, NASCAR indefinitely suspended two crew members for violations of the sport’s Substance Abuse Policy:
– Josiah Wright, rear tire changer for RFK Racing’s No. 6 Ford team in the Cup Series.
– Corbin Sklener, who served as a tire carrier for GK Racing in the Truck Series and as a jackman for Mike Harmon Racing in the Xfinity Series.
These actions reflect NASCAR’s broader efforts to maintain integrity and safety across all its racing series. citeturn0search1
**Conclusion**
The recent suspensions and fines serve as a reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in motorsports. As teams prepare for the upcoming races, ensuring that all equipment is secure and that crew members comply with established guidelines will be paramount to avoid similar penalties in the future.
