In a whirlwind of events on the Las Vegas racing circuit last week, spectators watched not just the thrill of high-speed competition, but also the unexpected spectacle of wheels freely rolling down the race track. The incidents involving Kyle Bush’s No. 8 and Chase Briscoe’s No. 19 race cars, where wheels detached mid-race, were not solitary occurrences, sparking a wave of controversy in the NASCAR world.
The governing body of NASCAR has long established the punishment for a loose wheel on the track: a two-lap penalty for the driver and a two-race suspension for the involved crew members. This system, designed as a deterrent, was put into action as both the drivers and their teams faced the consequences of the loose wheels.
However, NASCAR found itself in the crosshairs of controversy when it diverged from its standard course of action. The pivot came with the case of Christopher Bell’s Joe Gibbs Racing team, which managed to escape the usual penalties due to a quick-witted decision by crew chief Adam Stevens.
In the aftermath of the race, NASCAR confirmed the two-race suspensions for the Briscoe and Busch teams, citing the tire changer and jackman responsible for the loose wheels. But as this news broke, spectators and competitors alike were baffled by the lack of action taken against Christopher Bell and his crew.
Christopher Bell, driving the No. 20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, left the pit stop with a loose wheel. However, instead of facing repercussions, he was smartly redirected by Stevens to the pit box of teammate Chase Briscoe. This quick thinking allowed Bell to dodge any penalties or suspensions, a move that left many puzzled and frustrated.
In a post-race interview, Briscoe admitted his surprise at Bell’s maneuver, stating he had no idea such a strategy was even possible. Meanwhile, Adam Stevens defended his decision, stressing that it was a potential safety measure they had discussed with NASCAR previously to prevent dangerous situations on the track.
The inconsistencies didn’t end there. Jo Wright, a crew member of RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski’s team, was suspended indefinitely for a violation of the sports substance abuse policy. Wright served as the rear-tire changer for Keselowski’s No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
This is not the first time NASCAR has come under scrutiny for its officiating decisions, and it seems unlikely to be the last. Veteran driver Kevin Harvick commended Bell’s team for their quick thinking but pointed out the inherent unfairness of the situation, particularly for teams with only one car.
The 2025 NASCAR season has already been riddled with controversies, from a weight modification cheating scandal to questionable officiating decisions at Daytona 500 and the COTA. Concerns over track limits, intentional collisions, and now, loose wheels, have led to calls for NASCAR to tighten its rules and regulations.
In conclusion, either NASCAR needs to rectify its single lug nut system, or it needs to revise its rulebook to address such unforeseen situations. As controversies continue to mount, the governing body must take swift action to restore its credibility and ensure fairness in the sport.