NASCAR issues multiple penalties following Charlotte race weekend

It is always a tough day when the stewards get involved after the dust settles. NASCAR officials have confirmed a pair of penalties following the action at Charlotte Motor Speedway, hitting teams in both the Cup Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The Cup Series side saw a massive lapse in safety during the Coca-Cola 600. Katherine Legge lost her right-front wheel at the start of Stage 3, triggering a caution and a direct violation of the rule book. Consequently, crew members Ian Schulz and Deiontae Jones of the No. 78 Chevrolet team have been banned for the next two championship events, covering the race through Michigan International Speedway.

Things did not end there, as Ross Chastain’s winning No. 9 Chevrolet in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series also drew the ire of officials. Inspectors discovered multiple lug nuts were not safe and secure on the machine. This oversight earned crew member Michael Roberts a one-race suspension, while the team was handed a $5,000 fine.