Perhaps the notebook in which NASCAR recorded the loose wheel incident of Denny Hamlin and his #11 team was washed up in the rain during the Dover race. Because only that could explain the unfair penalty, or at least at this point, an inexplicable penalty that has been handed to the JGR #11 team.
Journalist Bob Pockrass recently reported how NASCAR has suspended Blake Houston. He was supposed to be the front tire changer when the tire changer in charge of the tire that fell off was Mike Hicks.
“NASCAR says it is suspending who is listed as front changer in this situation on 11 car,” Pockrass tweeted.
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Weird deal on NASCAR suspensions on 11 car. NASCAR suspended Blake Houston, listed as front tire changer even tho Mike Hicks (rear tire changer) was on lost front wheel w/new choreography. NASCAR says it is suspending who is listed as front changer in this situation on 11 car.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 3, 2022
This led to several NASCAR fans questioning the penalty. While some blasted NASCAR for the unfair treatment, some questioned the very foundation of the penalty system. They asked for a reconsideration of the same.
Can we change this penalty structure @NASCAR? These teams are putting their best crew guys out there, and to suspend them for 4 weeks seems like a safety issue if they have to put even lesser skilled guys out there. Lets look at docking points. Thats a bigger hit to the teams tbh
— Dustin Nelson (@DNel1285) May 3, 2022
So NASCAR is suspending the wrong people now? Amazing stuff.
— Mike Chase (@Mike_Chase2021) May 3, 2022
This is a big problem, nascars putting inexperienced tire changers on tires that keep coming off. Someone is going to get hurt here. It's an endless cycle of tires coming off every weekend. New car needs some new rules
— The Ox'sleftknee (@bagleysleftknee) May 3, 2022
Has NASCAR just flat out closed the book on common sense?
— Family Man (@TeamJGRfan) May 3, 2022
Imagine if the NFL suspended the linebacker when the safety made an illegal hit lined up in his position
— Kenny (@BassPlayer924) May 3, 2022
free my man he ain't do nothing wrong
— Davin (@DriveThrough_) May 3, 2022
CTRL+ALT+Delete
— Couch Racer (@CouchRacerShop) May 3, 2022
Dover brought no fruits for Denny Hamlin and co.
Denny Hamlin, who has been struggling to find and latch on to momentum ever since his win at Richmond, had a sliver of hope in Dover. But the Dover race, which stretched for two days technically, ended up being quite crushing for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver and his team.
Yes, there’s the loose wheel that has earned the #11 team a massive penalty. But there was also the wreck that split open his FedEx Camry from the side.
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“I just can’t believe this, man,” Hamlin was heard telling his team during the Stage 2 break while his team fixed his car.
“A lug nut came out of the gun, and we did not know it until it was too late, obviously,” Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gabehart, explained over the radio. But what the crew chief said next could aptly summarize their race, the penalty, and perhaps their entire season so far.
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“It is what it is,” he said.