NASCAR has suspended two crew members from Trackhouse Racing after the trip to Circuit of the Americas.
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The No. 1 Chevrolet driven by Ross Chastain lost a wheel on Lap 75 of last weekend's road course race, which 23XI Racing's Tyler Reddick won. This brought out the caution and sent Chastain back to pit road. He served a two-lap penalty in accordance with NASCAR's Rule Book.
Now, two members of his pit crew will miss two races while serving suspensions. Rear-tire changer Kenneth Pozega and jackman Josh Appleby will miss the West Coast swing that includes this weekend's race at Phoenix Raceway and next weekend's trip to Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Sections 8.8.10.4.A&D: Tires and Wheels of the Rule Book states in part that the loss of a tire beyond pit road will result in a two-lap penalty and a two-race suspension for two crew members.
This incident at Circuit of the Americas marked the first time that Chastain's No. 1 Chevrolet has lost a wheel. Now, only 10 cars remain on the list of those that haven't lost a wheel during a race.
According to media member Seth Eggert, this group includes the No. 9 of Hendrick Motorsports, the No. 21 of Wood Brothers Racing, the No. 22 of Team Penske, the No. 24 of Hendrick Motorsports, the No. 35 of 23XI Racing, the No. 47 of Hyak Motorsports, the No. 60 of RFK Racing, the No. 71 of Spire Motorsports, the No. 77 of Spire Motorsports, and the No. 88 of Trackhouse Racing (formerly the No. 99).
Past pit road consistency aside, the lost wheel disrupted what had been another strong day for Chastain. He qualified second at the road course and won the opening stage 1. He had an opportunity to score crucial points and follow up a third-place finish at EchoPark Speedway.
The Trackhouse Racing driver ultimately ended the day in 35th place after serving his two-lap penalty. He fell from 11th in the standings to 20th. Now, he is below the cutline for The Chase heading into the West Coast swing.
