During the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday night, an unusual pit lane incident unfolded involving driver Taylor Gray‘s No. 54 team. While a pit stop was underway, a tire detached and rolled across the front of the car, prompting a crew member to rush forward in an effort to retrieve it quickly and prevent any potential penalty.
Simultaneously, the car’s jack was lowered, signaling the driver to exit the pit stall. Gray accelerated immediately, but in doing so, struck the crew member at his side before the tire was secured.
Details of the Crew Member’s Experience and Reaction
Crew member Alex Morgan was hit, causing him to bounce over the hood of the car while still holding the tire. Reflecting on the incident in an interview with CW Sports, Morgan assured,
“Oh, I’m fine,”
and added,
“I signed up for it. I was just trying to get it back. I guess I need to do a little better.”
He further noted the rarity of such an event during a pit lane exit, saying,
“Not like that, not on the exit of pit road. On the entry, I’ve had a couple clips. Nothing like that before.”
Morgan concluded by expressing relief that the car was unharmed:
“I’m just glad the car is okay.”
Ongoing Race and Broader Implications
The race continues as officials and teams address the incident. Pit lane errors like this highlight the inherent risks involved in high-speed motorsports and the critical timing required during pit stops. Such occurrences emphasize the need for rigorous crew coordination to ensure safety while maintaining competitive performance.
For Taylor Gray and the Joe Gibbs Racing team, the incident serves as a reminder to balance speed with caution during stops. The event also underscores the intense, split-second decisions faced by drivers and crew members alike in NASCAR’s fast-paced environment.
Yikes! 😬
A member of @Taylor_Gray's crew takes a hit from the 54. pic.twitter.com/jIusoc2khj
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) February 21, 2026
