Two penalties were appealed; Rulings on both were issued on Wednesday
On Wednesday, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel put a ruling on two appeals of NASCAR penalties. Both penalties stemmed from wheels coming off during the race.
NASCAR shifted the entire game in the off-season. Instead of five lugs, each wheel is fitted with a single center-locking lugnut. The lug features a locking pin that engages after the lug becomes tight. That is designed to make wheels coming off, far less likely.
However, Kaulig Racing’s No. 31 team and Front Row Motorsports’ No. 38 both appealed their penalties earlier in the season following a loss of a wheel. That’s a violation of section 10.5.2.6 (Safety Penalties and Penalty Options) in the NASCAR rule book.
The violation brought three suspensions to each team.
Kaulig Racing Penalty
Kaulig Racing was penalized in the season opening Daytona 500 back in February. The car driven by Justin Haley lost a wheel during the event.
The penalty issued was a four-race crew chief Trent Owens along with crew members Jacob Nelson (tire changer) and Marshall McFadden (jackman).
Appeal Ruling: The Appeals panel has upheld the penalty.
Related: NASCAR Penalty Report – February 2022 (Daytona 500)
Front Row Motorsports Penalty
A week later, the Front Row Motorsports car driven by Todd Gilliland also lost a wheel. That happened at Auto Club Speedway in California.
NASCAR issued a four race suspension for crew chief Seth Barbour along with crew members Jourdan Osinskie and Tanner Andrews
Appeal Ruling: The Appeals panel has upheld the penalty. 10.5.2.6 (Safety Penalties and Penalty Options)
Related: NASCAR Penalty Report – February 2022 (Auto Club Speedway)
Links
Daytona International Speedway | Auto Club Speedway | NASCAR
