CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Report by Race Chaser Online Managing Editor Jacob Seelman — Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR photo —
Despite a win by Kyle Busch in Saturday night’s GoBowling.com 400 at Kansas Speedway, he will be without crew chief Adam Stevens for the next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on the schedule, this weekend’s AAA “Drive for Autism” 400 at Dover International Speedway.
Busch’s No. 18 team, which picked up its third win of the season in impressive fashion last time out, was hit with a P3 penalty for a lug nut violation discovered after the race in Kansas. The penalty also includes suspensions for both Stevens and right tire changer Josh Leslie through May 18, as well as a $20,000 fine for Stevens. Both team members will be on NASCAR probation through December 31.
Sources close to the situation have revealed that while all five lug nuts were glued onto the wheel, not all five lug nuts were hit by the air gun and “securely fastened” to the wheel.
The penalty comes as a result of sections 12:1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 10.11.3 (pit road equipment) and 12.5.3.4.1 (which outlines the P3-level penalty) of the NASCAR Rule Book.
The sanctioning body redefined their policy on lug nuts after several teams were hitting four or even just three lug nuts per wheel on pit road to gain a competitive advantage by leaving pit road sooner, leading to strong comments from three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart that netted him a $35,000 fine before NASCAR issued the rules bulletin.
Joe Gibbs Racing has not announced if the team will appeal the penalty.
In addition, NASCAR issued written warnings to the Nos. 43 and 78 teams (for failing pre-qualifying laser inspection twice) and the Nos. 7, 43, 47 and 48 teams (for failing pre-qualifying template inspection twice).
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: [email protected]
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
Email Race Chaser Online: [email protected]
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