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.”
Never a good sign. 😳 https://t.co/vOg6asxgjo pic.twitter.com/uQO1H6L6LE
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 24, 2022
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.
NASCAR penalizes No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports team for detached wheel at Talladega.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 27, 2022
Christopher Stanley, an engineer on the team roster, has been designated as crew chief for this Sunday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway.
