Smart JGR Planning Saves Bell from Potential Loose Wheel Disaster at Vegas
Christopher Bell's Joe Gibbs Racing team demonstrated quick thinking during Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, preventing a potential loose wheel disaster through an uncommon yet legal solution.
During a lap 108 caution, crew chief Adam Stevens made a crucial call after their pit stop, directing Bell to stop in another team's pit box to address concerns about loose left-side wheels. Bell found Chase Briscoe's pit box, where the No. 19 team tightened his left front wheel before he returned to racing.
Two IndyCars racing on racetrack
While the move is legal due to safety concerns, it came with consequences. Bell received a penalty for pitting outside his box and lost significant track position. At the time of the incident, he was running second after impressively moving up from the rear of the field, where he started due to a pre-race throttle body change.
"Starting in the back is never fun, but man, we got all the way up there to P2," Stevens explained. The team's hopes for a fourth consecutive victory were dashed by the pit road incident, ultimately finishing 12th.
Stevens revealed this scenario had been previously discussed within the team, showcasing JGR's thorough race preparation. While the maneuver is rarely seen in Cup Series competition, it highlights how teams can address potential safety issues within NASCAR's rules, even if it means accepting penalties to prevent more serious problems on the track.