After the recent race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), NASCAR imposed a suspension on two crew members from Ross Chastain’s Trackhouse Racing team due to a safety incident. This decision sparked significant backlash from fans who expressed their dissatisfaction with the punishment on social media, targeting what they viewed as an unfair penalty for the Ross Chastain crew suspension.
Incident During the COTA Race That Led to the Penalty
Ross Chastain began the 95-lap COTA race strongly, starting from second position and maintaining a spot within the top ten for much of the event. However, trouble struck when his car spun out entering turn 19, suddenly skidding through the gravel area. During the spin, the right-rear wheel became detached from his car. Despite this, Chastain was able to maneuver the stricken vehicle back to the pits. The main concern arose from the detached wheel remaining on the track, which forced NASCAR to issue the only caution in the race.
As a consequence, NASCAR took disciplinary action by suspending two crew members from Chastain’s #1 Chevy team: jackman Josh Appleby and rear tire changer Kenneth Pozega. Both were suspended for two upcoming races, with this suspension set to last until March 15.
NASCAR’s Explanation of the Suspension Decision
Bob Pockrass, a respected NASCAR analyst, clarified the penalty, stating:
“Only penalty from COTA is the two-race suspensions to two Ross Chastain crew members for the wheel coming off: Josh Appleby (jackman) and Kenneth Pozega (rear changer). @NASCARONFOX”
Fan Backlash Over the Suspension Penalty
NASCAR’s decision triggered a wave of criticism across multiple platforms. Many fans argued that punishing crew members for an incident during the race was unjust and unfairly targeted the team. One X user posted:
“Still punishing crew members and teams for a NASCAR problem…”
Another commenter reacted sharply to the combination of crew suspensions and race penalties, stating:
“So we suspend AND do lap penalties now? Geez…”
Additional reactions reflected a growing frustration with NASCAR’s disciplinary approach. A NASCAR enthusiast noted:
“1st pit croo suspensions of 2026,”
On Facebook, some fans voiced their discontent strongly, with one user saying:
“NASCAR making NASCAR-ish decisions….”
Another Facebook user added a vehement critique:
“How the fuck they give him a 2 lap penalty and then suspend crew members. This is horse shit,”
Even discussions around other drivers were influenced by this decision. An X user expressed surprise that driver Custer escaped penalty, posting:
“I am SHOCKED Custer got nothing,”
Race Outcomes and Notable Performances at COTA
The race itself saw 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick securing his third straight win at COTA, achieving a milestone as the first NASCAR driver to claim three back-to-back season opener victories. In contrast, Ross Chastain’s struggles during the race led to a disappointing finish in 35th position at the DuraMax Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne.
On-Track Conflict: Austin Hill’s Remarks After the Atlanta Race Incident
Tensions between drivers continued after the Atlanta race when Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing was denied a potential win due to a last-lap collision involving Ross Chastain. Hill, who was leading the final lap, was spun out by Chastain moments before crossing the finish line, allowing Sheldon Creed from Haas Factory Team to claim his first-ever O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory.
In a post-race interview, Hill openly expressed his feelings toward the situation and Chastain, saying:
“I could care less to talk to Ross Chastain. I have nothing to say to him.”
He continued with a pointed message for future encounters, stating:
“Just as long as if the roles are reversed and I do the same thing to him, then he thinks it’s fair game, right? If he doesn’t think it’s fair game, then, like, what do you say? But as long as he thinks it’s fair game, I’m all good with it. We can go to battle next time. Can’t wait,”
Despite being spun out, Hill managed to keep his car on track and finished the 163-lap race in 12th place, while Chastain finished 6th.
Implications of the Suspension and Race Dynamics Moving Forward
The suspension of Ross Chastain’s crew members has ignited a heated debate about NASCAR’s approach to in-race penalties, particularly its impact on teams and crew members rather than solely on drivers. The core of the controversy lies in whether these disciplinary actions address root causes effectively or simply add frustration among teams and fans alike.
This incident, combined with intense driver rivalries such as the one between Hill and Chastain, signals a fiercely competitive and tense atmosphere as the season advances. Observers will be watching closely to see if NASCAR adjusts its disciplinary policies in response to public opinion and how drivers react to ongoing on-track conflicts in upcoming races.
Only penalty from COTA is the two-race suspensions to two Ross Chastain crew members for the wheel coming off: Josh Appleby (jackman) and Kenneth Pozega (rear changer). @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 3, 2026
