Kyle Busch started on the pole Sunday at the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, but a costly pit crew mistake put him far behind.
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Busch, in the race at the Dover International Speedway, went into the pit following a caution flag on Lap 18. But, the pit crew didn't get the left-rear tire installed on his No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. When Busch took off, the tire came flying off, and you could see sparks flying from underneath the car.
Busch had to come back in for another pit stop, and he rejoined the race at the back of the back. As costly as the mistake was for Busch, it could be very costly for his team, which could face a suspension under NASCAR rules.
Here is the rule from NASCAR rulebook. Could be very costly for Kyle Busch team. pic.twitter.com/bVl4z9i1wR
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 4, 2017
According to the NASCAR rule book "Loss of wheel(s) due to improper installation will result in a mandatory minimum four- race suspension of the crew chief and tire changer and tire carrier of the lost wheel(s)."
Kyle Busch's left rear came off after he left the pits. Could be a 4-race suspension for Adam Stevens as well as tire carrier/changer.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 4, 2017
Those penalties, Fox notes, are normally handed out in the middle of the week.