USA Today via Reuters
Oct 16, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 16, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
For a while, the Joe Gibbs Racing team have been plagued by pit crew trouble. Earlier at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, pit trouble came back to haunt them yet again. This time, the unfortunate victim was outgoing driver Kyle Busch. As he left pit road, it became apparent that his wheel was not attached properly. Finally, the wheel detached and decided to continue the race without him.
🎶 You picked a fine time to leave me, loose wheel 🎶
Kyle Busch loses a wheel, meaning suspensions are coming to the No. 18 pit crew. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/a2MU9XNJh4
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 16, 2022
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It is also worth mentioning that Busch is not using his original pit crew, but had them swapped with Denny Hamlin’s. This was done after Busch was eliminated from Playoff contention. Admittedly, the idea was for Hamlin to stand a better chance with his Playoff hopes. However, this move has seemingly angered fans, because it means that Busch got the short end of the stick. Now, because of this pit lane mishap, he will likely see some crew members suspended.
READ MORE: Kyle Busch Is Disheartened As The “Crap Car” Cuts His Brother Kurt’s Career Short
How did NASCAR fans react to the Kyle Busch’s problems at Las Vegas?
Fans noted that Joe Gibbs Racing often prided themselves for their prowess on pit road. However, the organization has face a number of loose wheel incidents in 2022 alone. This doesn’t even count the number of incidents that 23XI Racing faced on pit road this year. Other people sarcastically pointed out that this was Hamlin’s crew doing what they normally did best.
via Getty
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 02: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota, walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 02, 2022 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
For an organization that supposedly prides themselves on their top tier pit stop prowess, howany loose wheels have they had this year (not counting 23XI, JGR only)?
Legit asking. Tried researching but could only find as of Bristol.— Brennen Whicker (@BrennenWhicker) October 16, 2022
Well what do u know the #11 team at its finest.
— David Clements (@KBTHGR8) October 17, 2022
Give Denny back his incompetent pit crew
— Brandon (@Dieselmagikk) October 16, 2022
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Wasn't it Gibbs that told Kyle's crew just weeks ago that they would be working for hamlin. So I would put it all on JG
— 2️⃣thecurve (@2thecurve) October 17, 2022
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Others demanded that Hamlin’s ‘incompetent’ pit crew be back where they belong, and Busch got his own crew back. At the end of the day, many were furious that Joe Gibbs Racing pulled such a stunt. On the bright side, Kyle Busch did get his own back, by fighting his way up the order and finishing in a fine 3rd place. All this was also in spite of an early spin, which has been a characteristic of the Next Gen cars. Busch’s third place also meant that he was the best of the Toyotas, behind the Ford of Joey Logano and Chevrolet’s Ross Chastain.
WATCH THIS STORY: Surprise NASCAR Teams Emerge as the Front-Runners in the Kyle Busch Rat Race
