The No. 2 NASCAR Ford Mustang, driven by Austin Cindric and fielded by Penske Racing, has been penalized following the race on May 7th, 2023 at Kansas Speedway, due to an issue with one of the Mustang’s wheels.
On Lap 109, during Stage 2 of the Cup Series race, Cindric’s No. 2 Mustang contacted the wall due to a flat right front tire. The wheel actually broke apart and separated from the race car after Cindric exited the racing surface, bouncing back onto the racetrack as Cindric limped the No. 2 Mustang to the attention of his crew on Pit Road. It appeared that the alloy wheel had been sheared off. Cindric’s No. 2 Mustang ultimately finished 31st.
The incident was deemed to be in violation of Section 8.8.10.4.A & C of the NASCAR Rule Book, which refers to the loss or separation of an improperly installed tire or wheel from a race car.
Per the Rule Book, Cindric’s No. 2 NASCAR Ford team incurred penalties in the form of crewmember suspensions. Thus, Keiston France and Patrick Gray have been suspended from competition in the next two point-paying races, including this weekend’s race at Darlington Raceway on May 14th and the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte on May 28th. It’s worth noting that the All Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway is scheduled for May 21st, but since the All Star race is an exhibition event, it does not pay points.
At this time, Penske Racing has not indicated if it will attempt to appeal the penalties to the No. 2 NASCAR Ford team.
Cindric’s No. 2 Mustang is not the only NASCAR Ford team to have been nabbed for a wheel or tire issue this year. Aric Almirola, driver of the No. 10 Mustang, was penalized as a result of a loose wheel incident that occurred during the Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway on March 12th, 2023.
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More nascar rules. They have ruined this sport