NASCAR issued several penalties on Wednesday, March 19, following the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Among the most significant penalties were suspensions handed down to pit crew members from both Kyle Busch’s No. 8 team at Richard Childress Racing and Chase Briscoe’s No. 19 team at Joe Gibbs Racing due to loose wheels on the track.
From the No. 8 team, jackman Dylan Moser and rear-tire changer Shiloh Windsor each received two-race suspensions. Similarly, the No. 19 team’s jackman Caleb Dirks and rear-tire changer Daniel Smith were also suspended for the next two Cup Series events. Loose wheels on the track are considered a serious safety issue, resulting in these penalties under NASCAR’s established guidelines.
In addition to the suspensions, fines were imposed for loose lug nuts across both the Xfinity and Truck Series. In the Xfinity Series, four teams faced penalties. Kaulig Racing’s No. 11 car, Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 car, Sam Hunt Racing’s No. 26 car, and JR Motorsports’ No. 88 car were each fined $5,000 for failing to secure all lug nuts properly. Meanwhile, in the Truck Series, Spire Motorsports’ No. 07 team received a $2,500 fine for a similar violation.
Further disciplinary action included indefinite suspensions for two individuals due to violations of NASCAR’s Substance Abuse Policy. Josiah Wright, who previously worked as a rear-tire changer for RFK Racing’s No. 6 car, and Corbin Skinner, formerly associated with GK Racing and Mike Harmon Racing, were both suspended indefinitely. NASCAR maintains a strict stance on substance abuse to ensure the safety and integrity of the sport.
These penalties highlight NASCAR’s commitment to enforcing regulations and maintaining safety across all three national series. Loose wheels and improperly secured lug nuts pose potential risks to drivers, teams, and fans, prompting the organization to respond swiftly with fines and suspensions.
