Apr 24, 2022; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver BJ Mcleod (78) crashes behind the field during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

NASCAR announced Wednesday that it was penalizing the Live Fast Motorsports team after the No. 78 car lost a wheel during Sunday’s Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway.

BJ McLeod spun in Turn 2 during the GEICO 500, prompting a caution period on the 87th lap. The car’s right-rear wheel then detached and rolled to a stop. McLeod was able to continue and post a 26th-place finish at the race, but the incident required a review and likely suspension.

Specifically, it’s a violation of Section 10.5.2.6 in the NASCAR Rule Book, which states: “Loss or separation of an improperly installed tire(s)/wheel(s) from the vehicle will result in a four Race suspension of the crew chief and two additional team members.”

As a result, four-race suspensions were handed down to Live Fast crew chief Lee Leslie as well as two crew members, jackman Alpha Lamin and rear-tire changer Kevin Teaf.

Christopher Stanley, an engineer on the team roster, has been designated as crew chief for this Sunday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway.

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.