NASCAR Issues Weekly Penalty Report: Four Pit Crew Members Suspended Following Wheel Infractions at Charlotte
May 28, 2025 — Charlotte, NC
On Tuesday evening, NASCAR released its official weekly penalty report following a busy Memorial Day weekend of racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The highly anticipated report confirmed a series of disciplinary actions, including the suspension of four pit crew members for safety violations stemming from two separate wheel separation incidents—one in the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 and the other during the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetMGM 300.
The penalties come as no surprise to industry insiders and fans alike, as wheel separation incidents continue to be treated with the utmost seriousness by NASCAR officials due to the significant safety risks they pose to both drivers and spectators.
Wheel Separations: A Serious Safety Concern
According to the penalty report, the first incident occurred during the Coca-Cola 600, the NASCAR Cup Series’ longest and most grueling event of the year. One of the race teams experienced a detached wheel that broke loose following a pit stop. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the car managed to safely return to pit road.
The second case happened during Saturday’s BetMGM 300, a marquee race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Similarly, a wheel came off a competitor’s vehicle after a pit stop, leading to a caution flag and immediate concern from officials.
Under current NASCAR rules, a wheel separation is classified as a violation of Sections 8.8.10.4 A&C of the NASCAR Rule Book, which states that the proper installation of wheels and lug nuts is mandatory and that failure to secure the wheel can result in the suspension of key pit crew personnel.
The Penalties
As a result of these infractions, NASCAR handed down four-race suspensions to two crew members from each affected team. The suspended personnel typically include the tire changer and the jackman or tire carrier, depending on who is deemed responsible for the mishandled pit stop.
The Cup Series team affected has not yet released a public statement, but internal sources suggest the organization is reviewing its pit stop protocols and considering temporary personnel replacements for the upcoming races.
The Xfinity Series team involved acknowledged the penalty via a brief team-issued statement:
“We accept NASCAR’s ruling and take full responsibility for the mistake made during Saturday’s race. The safety of our driver and the integrity of our operation are our highest priorities. We will ensure that corrective measures are put in place immediately.”
Continued Focus on Pit Road Safety
Wheel-related infractions have become a focal point for NASCAR over the last two seasons, especially following the implementation of the Next Gen car in the Cup Series, which features a single-lug nut design—a departure from the traditional five-lug system used in prior years. While the single-lug design offers speed and efficiency, it has also introduced a new set of challenges for pit crews.
NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, Elton Sawyer, reaffirmed the league’s stance during a media availability on Wednesday morning:
“Wheel separations are a very serious issue. These are preventable incidents that carry enormous risk. We’ve made it clear to teams that there will be zero tolerance for lapses in execution when it comes to securing wheels properly. Safety must always come first.”
What’s Next
The teams will now have to adapt quickly as they head into the next phase of the season. With four races ahead and key pit crew members sidelined, backup personnel will be called into action—adding a layer of complexity to upcoming race weekends.
The Cup Series and Xfinity Series will both head to World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis for the upcoming weekend’s events. All eyes will be on how these penalties affect in-race performance, especially on a track known for its tight corners and technical challenges.
As the season continues to unfold, teams are reminded that precision on pit road can make or break not only races—but careers and safety records as well.
