NASCAR driver Hailie Deegan’s crew had an interesting day on Saturday as one of their members was kicked out of the Camping World Truck Series race at Talladega.
In the middle of the race, Deegan had just entered pit road as her crew was working on her vehicle when one of the car’s tires rolled across the track and literally into oncoming traffic, causing some of the cars to swerve or slow down. One of the crewmembers then ran across the track and into the infield to get the tire. However, in doing so, he had put himself and other drivers in danger, forcing NASCAR officials to pull his credentials and escort him off the track.
That was a bad idea. NASCAR pulled this Hailie Deegan crew member's credential and escorted him from the track. pic.twitter.com/tQKwjgOspd
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 1, 2022
Caution for a crew member who ran out to get the tire will be facing a suspension most likely.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 1, 2022
There have been a lot of suspensions related to tires coming off cars this NASCAR season but that’s a pretty rare occurrence. While it’s admirable at the crew member wanted to retrieve the tire as soon as possible, it’s obvious why it was against the rules and not in the best interest of everyone on the track.
The NASCAR world had some strong reactions to the decision of the crew member to go after the tire and how it impacted the race.
Well, he did earn it. https://t.co/ASJVIwX6mO
— The Wolf of NASCAR (@CitizenKBA) October 1, 2022
Hailie Deegan’s pit crew member running into the infield for a loose tire at Talladega is absolutely unacceptable under green-flag conditions.
— Austin Konenski (@AustinKonenski) October 1, 2022
Talladega Curse infecting the brains today https://t.co/h3GmFlTucD
— eco (@ethancourter) October 1, 2022
Dear crews
STOP DOING THIS https://t.co/LFn7XhZX4B
— NascarsNewest (@NascarsNewest) October 1, 2022
Yikes. On one hand that’s a brutal punishment, when I assume his intent was to minimize the impact of an uncontrolled tire. On the other hand, you do this on the wrong lap (especially at Dega) they’ll be picking pieces of you outta the grass. https://t.co/ZyGAQmSSp4
— Kellen Mills (@kellenlmills) October 1, 2022
No word yet from Deegan’s camp on the suspension but for now it’s just good news that no one was hurt.
