Austin Cindric will be without his usual crew chief, jackman and front tire changer for the next four races due to a lost wheel during the NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, NASCAR announced July 20.
Crew chief Jeremy Bullins as well as jackman Patrick Gray and front tire changer Curtis Thompson are suspended starting this weekend at Pocono Raceway.
Cindric’s No. 2 lost a wheel after a pit stop during stage two last weekend.
The replacement for Bullins has not yet been announced.
Cindric comes into Pocono 10th in series points with one win (the Daytona 500), three top fives and six top 10s in his rookie campaign.
Confused. NASCAR Rule Book Sections 8.8.10.4 and 10.5.2.6 — “loss or separation of an improperly installed tire/wheel from the vehicle.” Did Chris Bell’s tire not become separated from the vehicle? Does he win that race without one of his key pit guys and the crew chief? Will the new rule be: “loss or separation of an improperly installed tire/wheel from the vehicle. Unless it doesn’t roll too far”? Any loose tire on pit road is more dangerous than one on the track itself. NASCAR doing what NASCAR does best – muddy the water.
They discussed this during the broadcast. It’s a ball/strike call. Deal with it.
NA$CAR “rule” subject to interpretation! It’s a rule.
Sorry – can’t agree with you on this one. Point is that “safety” related rules should not be a discretionary call – in particular because of how harsh the penalty is for this one and possible ramifications to people on pit road and behind the wall. I’d say this is an interesting appeal.