The sanctioning body has issued penalties to 23XI Racing after the Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas. NASCAR has suspended three members of Bubba Wallace‘s No. 23 team after the Toyota Camry lost a wheel.
NASCAR announced the news on March 29. A release noted that the team violated Sections 10.5.2.6 of the NASCAR Rule Book: Loss or separation of an improperly installed tire/wheel from the vehicle. Crew chief Robert “Bootie” Barker and crew members Caleb Dirks (jackman) and Adam Riley (rear-tire changer) all received four-race suspensions.
The penalty stems from an incident on Lap 45 of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. The left rear wheel separated from Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota Camry, bringing out the caution flag in the process. Wallace received a tow back to the garage, but he was unable to return to the track. He ended the day 38th overall after ending Stage 2 in the 10th position.