Throughout NASCAR’s rich history, there have been countless heart-stopping collisions and nerve-wracking wrecks that have left fans on the edge of their seats. In recent years, NASCAR has implemented significant changes to car specifications, including adjustments to right-side requirements and front clip modifications, all aimed at enhancing safety on the track.
However, even with these advancements, drivers and teams continue to advocate for improvements to address their specific needs. The introduction of Next Gen cars by NASCAR represents a pivotal step towards minimizing chaos and elevating safety standards in the sport. Renowned two-time Cup champion Joey Logano has highlighted one such improvement: a reduction in loose car incidents. But what exactly constitutes a loose car?
🗯️ "I think that is one of the main reason we can not loosen up the cars in front of us anymore."
🗣️ @joeylogano says the rear diffuser is one of the main components of the Next Gen car that has hindered drivers' abilities to maneuver in traffic.
More → https://t.co/keYsFmuVzu pic.twitter.com/pcDbU37EEM
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) April 18, 2024
NASCAR loose car incidents occur when a vehicle becomes unstable or challenging to control during a race, typically due to insufficient grip or traction. Such occurrences often result in accidents, collisions, or spins on the track. In a recent discussion on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, Joey Logano highlighted a key factor contributing to the decline in these incidents:
“Do you think a rear diffuser changed it? 100 percent. I think that is one of the main reason we can not loosen up the cars in front of us anymore.”
The Incident and Penalties at Texas Violation NASCAR’s rule
As per the NASCAR Rule Book, two crewmembers were suspended from Larson’s team for failing to secure the wheel. Specifically, rear-tire changer Calvin Teague and jackman Brandon Johnson were suspended for two Cup races, meaning they would not serve on the No. 5 Chevy crew at Talladega on April 21st or Dover on April 28th. Such penalties are outlined in the NASCAR Rule Book under Safety Sections 8.8.10.4.C, which refer to “Loss or separation of an improperly installed tire/wheel from the vehicle”.
Larson finished 21st at Texas as a result of the lost wheel and ensuing penalties. Meanwhile, several other Chevy teams faced similar issues. Doug Warrick, crewmember on the No. 33 Chevy team of Austin Hill in the Cup Series, was suspended for violating Safety Sections 14.3.1.2 A & B & D:
Crew Protective Clothing/Equipment and would not compete at Talladega. In the Xfinity Series, the No. 48 Chevy team of Parker Kligerman was also penalized for a loose wheel at Texas, resulting in a $5,000 fine to crew chief Patrick Donahue; the No. 9 Camaro of Brandon Jones was also found to have a loose wheel, and crew chief Philip Bell was fined $5,000. Brandon Harder, crewmember for Jones’ Chevy team, was also suspended for a protective clothing violation and would not compete at Talladega that weekend. Finally, Nicholas Covey, the jackman for the No. 3 Chevy team of Austin Dillon in the Cup Series, has been indefinitely suspended for violating NASCAR’s substance abuse policy.
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