NASCAR has issued penalties to six crew members from three different teams for violating safety rules regarding loose wheels at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend. The crew members have been suspended from the next two races in their respective series.
What happened?
The incidents occurred during the Cup and Xfinity races at Texas on Saturday and Sunday. In the Cup race, two drivers – Austin Dillon and Todd Gilliland – had wheels come loose on track and had to pit for repairs. In the Xfinity race, Jeb Burton also suffered a loose wheel and had to make an unscheduled stop.
According to NASCAR rules, any team that loses or separates an improperly installed tire or wheel from the vehicle during an event will be penalized with a suspension of the crew chief and the crew members responsible for the installation of the tire or wheel.
Who are the crew members involved?
The crew members who have been suspended are:
| Team | Driver | Series | Crew Chief | Crew Members |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Childress Racing | Austin Dillon | Cup | N/A | Josh Sobecki (rear tire changer), Michael Johnson (jack) |
| Rick Ware Racing | Todd Gilliland | Cup | N/A | Matthew Schlytter (rear tire changer), Coleman Dollarhide (jack) |
| Kaulig Racing | Jeb Burton | Xfinity | N/A | Justin Clapper (rear tire changer), Dakota Bonds (jack) |
The crew chiefs of these teams were not suspended because NASCAR altered the rules for 2023 regarding loose wheel penalties. Last year, the crew chiefs would have also faced four-race suspensions for the same violation.
What are the consequences?
The crew members who have been suspended will miss the next two races in their respective series. For the Cup teams, that means they will not be able to participate in the races at Talladega and the Charlotte Roval. For the Xfinity team, that means they will not be able to participate in the races at Charlotte Roval and Las Vegas.
The suspension of these crew members could affect the performance and strategy of their teams, especially in the case of Austin Dillon, who is currently in the playoffs and fighting for a spot in the Round of 8. Dillon finished 19th at Texas and is 11th in the standings, 36 points below the cutline.
How can they appeal?
The teams have the option to appeal the penalties to NASCAR’s National Motorsports Appeals Panel. If they choose to do so, they must submit a written request within 10 days of receiving the penalty notice. The panel will then schedule a hearing and review the evidence and arguments from both sides. The panel can either uphold, reduce, or overturn the penalty.
If the teams are not satisfied with the panel’s decision, they can further appeal to NASCAR’s National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer, who has the final authority to resolve the matter.
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