NASCAR imposed suspensions on two pit crew members from Trackhouse Racing after a wheel detached from Ross Chastain’s car during the NASCAR Cup Series event at Circuit of the Americas on March 1. The penalties, confirmed in NASCAR’s weekly report released on March 4, relate to the critical safety violation that occurred in Austin, Texas.
Josh Appleby and rear tire changer Kenneth Pozega, both part of the No. 1 Chevrolet crew, will be sidelined for the upcoming two NASCAR Cup Series races as a consequence. The suspension reflects the serious nature of losing a tire while on track, which poses immediate risks to drivers, crews, race officials, and spectators alike.
Official Penalty Details and Rules Applied
NASCAR’s announcement detailed that Appleby and Pozega’s suspensions are based on Sections 8.8.10.4 A and D of the NASCAR rulebook, which specifically address tire and wheel violations during competition. The rules stipulate that losing a wheel beyond the pit road triggers an automatic penalty, with a two-race crew suspension mandated for incidents like this.
Since the wheel loss happened amid the race, NASCAR treated the infraction as a high priority due to its safety implications. As a result, both crew members will be absent from the races at Phoenix Raceway on March 8 and Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15. They will be eligible to rejoin the Trackhouse Racing team for the event at Darlington Raceway on March 22.
Details of the Wheel Detachment Incident During the Race
The wheel came off Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet on lap 75, shortly after a four-tire pit stop was completed. Approximately three laps post-pit stop, the right rear wheel detached while the race was still running under green flag conditions, leading to an immediate safety concern on the track.
NASCAR officials responded by issuing an in-race penalty, requiring Chastain to serve a two-lap penalty on pit road. This setback had a significant impact on his race outcome, as he finished in 35th place, two laps behind the race leaders.
Before the wheel problem, Chastain was performing strongly — having won Stage 1 of the race and recorded the fastest lap overall. Those achievements earned him 11 stage and bonus points despite the final setback caused by the wheel loss.
Trackhouse Racing Prepares for Upcoming Events Without Suspended Crew
With Appleby and Pozega out, Trackhouse Racing will need to adjust its pit crew lineup for the next two races, beginning at Phoenix Raceway. The Phoenix event is scheduled for March 8, with race coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and HBO Max. The team will then compete at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15 before the suspended crew members return.
Currently, Ross Chastain holds 20th place in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings as he approaches these critical races. Trackhouse Racing faces the challenge of maintaining strong performances while managing a revised crew, aiming to regain momentum despite the disruptions caused by the suspension.
A penalty has been issued following this past weekend's action at Circuit of the Americas. pic.twitter.com/UPIBKRp3HU
— NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) March 3, 2026
