Two Larson Crew Members Face Suspension After COTA Wheel Incident
NASCAR has suspended Brandon Johnson (jackman) and Blaine Anderson (front tire changer) from Kyle Larson's Hendrick Motorsports pit crew following a wheel detachment incident at Circuit of The Americas.
Race cars competing on race track
The suspensions will cover the next two Cup Series races at Phoenix Raceway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with the crew members eligible to return at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 23.
The incident occurred on lap 44 after a pit stop when Larson's right-front wheel came off, resulting in a two-lap penalty during the race. Larson ultimately finished 32nd in the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.
Per NASCAR's 2023 penalty guidelines for detached wheels:
- Yellow flag pit road incident: Restart at tail end of field
- Green flag pit road incident: Pass-through penalty
- Beyond pit road incident: Two-lap penalty and two-race crew member suspension
Eric Ludwig and Jafar Hall from Justin Haley's No. 7 car will temporarily replace the suspended crew members at Phoenix. Hendrick Motorsports provides pit crews to Spire Motorsports.