NASCAR hits Busch and Briscoe with big penalties following loose wheels

Both Busch and Briscoe, who won the pole the Cup and truck race, respectively, each lost wheels last weekend during their events at Dover International Speedway.

Under NASCAR’s safety rule: 12.5.2.6.3.c — Loss of wheel(s) due to improper installation, the crew chief, tire changer and tire carrier are suspended for a minimum of four races.

Crew chief Adam Stevens of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota along with tire changer Jacob Seminara and tire carrier Kenneth Barber will be eligible to return to action at Kentucky Speedway. Busch rallied to a 16th-place finish and moved up to fourth-place in the Cup standings.  

JGR has no plans to appeal. Ben Beshore, who is the primary race engineer on the No. 18 team, will sub for Stevens.

BKRacing crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. of the No. 29 team and tire changer Wesley McPherson and tire carrier Eric Pinkiert will be out of commission until the race at Gateway Motorsports Park on June 17. Briscoe recovered and finished 12th at Dover. He dropped to fifth in the truck standings. Buddy Sisco will serve as interim crew chief.

NASCAR Xfinity Series crew chief Matt Beckman has been fined $5,000 after a loose lugnut was discovered on the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in post-race inspection. The penalty is also a safety infraction under Section 10.9.10. 4 — Tires and Wheels. Matt Tifft piloted the No. 19 Toyota. He finished ninth in the OneMain Financial 200 at Dover.