NASCAR issues four-race suspension to Kyle Busch crew chief, crew members

Kyle Busch crew chief Adams Stevens, tire carrier Kenny Barber and tire changer Jake Seminara were suspended four races on Wednesday after a wheel came off the No. 18 Toyota during a pit stop on Sunday at Dover International Speedway.

The punishment is described as the “mandatory minimum” for the violation of Sections 10.9.10.4.c: Tires and Wheels; 12.5.2.6.3.c.Minimum Safety Penalty Options.

Seminara did not get any of the lugnuts tight and Busch left pit road when the jackman dropped the car. Busch circled the track on three wheels before returning to pit road.

Oddly, crew chief Mike Hillman Jr., tire changer Wesley McPherson and tire carrier Eric Pinkiert received identical four-race penalties on Wednesday for a similar incident at Dover in the Camping World Truck Series with driver Chase Briscoe.  Both Busch’s team owner, Joe Gibbs, and Briscoe’s, Brad Keselowski, had implored NASCAR to consider intent, or the lack of nefarious intent, in determining sanctions.

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"We are disappointed in the penalty that Mike Hillman Jr. and members of our pit crew received following the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event in Dover," Brad Keselowski Racing said in a statment. "We are currently considering our options under the appeal process outlined in the NASCAR rulebook. Buddy Sisco will serve as Chase Briscoe's crew chief in the interim."

Barring appeal, Busch’s crew members would miss this weekend's race at Pocono Pocono Raceway plus races at Michigan International Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Daytona International Speedway. They would be eligible to return for the July 8 race at Kentucky Speedway.

Busch finished 16th at Dover after starting from the pole. The 2015 Cup Seriess champion is still seeking his first victory of the season but is ranked fourth in the points standings heading into Pocono.

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