NASCAR Penalties Follow Loose Wheel Incident at San Diego
NASCAR has announced the suspension of two crew members from Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 team after a loose wheel was discovered during the final stages of the San Diego race. The decision was made in the interest of safety and competition integrity.
The individuals affected are tire changer Adam Hartman and jackman Nathan Ricketts. Both will be absent from the upcoming events at Sonoma and Chicagoland, but they are eligible to return for the race at Atlanta.
Despite the setback, Wallace managed to finish second behind his teammate Corey Heim. The result propelled him up two positions in the Cup Series standings, moving him into 11th place as he fights for a spot in the Chase.
Wallace’s Post‑Race Reflections
Wallace addressed the incident in a brief interview, expressing frustration over the mechanical failure but emphasizing that no one was to blame. He praised his teammate’s victory and highlighted the team’s collective effort to rectify the issue.
The driver also took the opportunity to discuss the importance of maintaining focus on the championship battle, noting that every point matters as the season progresses toward the playoffs.
Team officials confirmed that the suspension will not affect the overall preparation for the upcoming races, and they remain confident in the crew’s ability to rebound once the penalties are served.