CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR is tightening the screws on team safety following a high-profile weekend in Las Vegas that has led to the suspension of key crew members from two competitive teams. Kyle Busch, driving for Richard Childress Racing, and Chase Briscoe, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, will be without crucial pit crew members in their upcoming races due to recent infractions during the race weekend.
The penalties, issued in NASCAR’s weekly report released on March 19, 2025, stemmed from issues faced during last Sunday’s (March 16) Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Both teams suffered significant setbacks when they experienced detached wheels that ended up hindering their performance on the track. In a decisive move, NASCAR announced that Busch’s jackman, Joseph Moser, and rear tire changer, Shiloh Windsor, would be suspended. In a similar vein, Briscoe’s crew, facing the same fate, will be without jackman, Caleb Dirks, and rear tire changer, Daniel Smith.
For the March 23 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the March 30 race at Martinsville Speedway, Nathan McBride and Adam Riley will step in for Dirks and Smith, respectively, while Busch’s crew will be supported by Garrett Crall and Christopher Jackson as Moser and Windsor’s replacements.
The implications of losing seasoned crew members are substantial. Briscoe, who had a turbulent race at Las Vegas, lost his left-rear wheel during a green-flag pit stop on lap 33. However, he managed to rally back to finish 17th on the lead lap after losing two laps due to the pit issues.
On the other hand, Busch faced a more challenging race; on lap 114, he lost a right-rear wheel, leading him to spin and ultimately resulting in heavy repairs. He finished in 33rd place, an uncomfortable 35 laps down. This was a stark reminder of the high-stakes nature of NASCAR and the pivotal role crew members play in ensuring a team’s success.
NASCAR's tightening grip over crew obligations comes amid broader scrutiny of safety compliance within the sport. Out of the six suspensions issued in the report, four were due to safety violations, while two others related to substance abuse policy violations. The suspensions of Josiah Wright, the rear changer for Brad Keselowski's No. 6 RFK Racing team, and Corbin Sklener, jackman for Mike Harmon Racing's No. 74 team, highlight the extensive measures NASCAR is taking to curb negligence in safety protocols.
The NASCAR penalty report itself indicated that the sanctioning body issued a number of fines, particularly for loose lug nuts—an important safety measure that teams must get right. For instance, the No. 11 Kaulig Racing team, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing team, No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing team, and No. 88 JR Motorsports team were all fined $5,000 for undergoing post-race inspections that found loose lug nuts. Additionally, a fine of $2,500 was levied against the No. 07 Spire Motorsports NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team as well, further emphasizing the strict measures NASCAR is employing to ensure safety across the board.
The consequences of these actions are profound and may shape the teams’ strategies leading up to the next few races. The softening of pit stops could lead to significant performance delays, and team dynamics may be challenged with substitutes filling in crucial roles.
While some view NASCAR’s penalties as necessary for maintaining order and safety, others argue that such stringent rules could undermine team cohesion and performance, especially as rookie and substitute crew members integrate into the pit strategies of already established teams. The potential for errors increases, which could further complicate the races ahead.
As teams gear up for the rest of the season, each race becomes more than just a competition to finish first; it is a test of adaptability in the face of personnel challenges. Drivers like Busch and Briscoe not only need to navigate their own performance but also manage the intricacies of new team dynamics brought on by these suspensions.
Moving forward, NASCAR will remain under the public eye as it enforces these regulations, walking the delicate line between competition and safety. With much at stake and forthcoming races that could alter standings dramatically, the pressure is on for Busch, Briscoe, and their teams to rally and adapt.
