Chris Gayle, crew chief for Erik Jones in the NASCAR Cup Series, has been suspended for one race and fined $20,000 after yesterday’s (May 17) event at Darlington Raceway due to a lug nut violation, NASCAR announced today, May 18.
In post-race inspection, Jones’ No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing violated section 10.9.10.4, which deals with lug nuts not being properly installed.
Jones finished eighth in Sunday’s race and will not have any points taken away.
Seth Chavka, a JGR engineer, will fill in for Gayle for the second Darlington race.
Five other cars also violated section 10.9.10.4 of the rule book; the No. 4 of Kevin Harvick, the No. 11 of Denny Hamlin, No. 22 of Joey Logano, No. 42 of Matt Kenseth and the No. 95 of Christopher Bell were all found with lug nuts not properly installed. Corresponding crew chiefs Rodney Childers, Chris Gabehart, Paul Wolfe, Chad Johnston and Jason Ratcliff received fines of $10,000 each, but NASCAR did not suspend them.
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