RICHMOND, Va. — NASCAR senior vice president of competition Scott Miller said Friday that the series will re-consider how it polices the application of lug nuts during pit stops following incidences of loose wheels and an outcry of safety concerns among drivers.
NASCAR last season began allowing teams to use as few as three of five lug nuts as policing became more difficult without an official assigned to each pit stall. The series replaced officials were cameras and other technology.
“Since the drivers are now questioning it, it’s time for us to kind of re-evaluate our position and work with the community on looking at possibly different ways to enforce the pit road rules,” Miller said.
The situation percolated this week with Tony Stewart being fined $35,000 for raising safety questions concerning the practice. Teams gain valuable time on pit road by not affixing every lug nut, with possible improper installation penalties a tradeoff if they come loose.
“Obviously, one of the stories this week has been some concerns about safety from one of our drivers and obviously NASCAR has worked very, very hard in the areas of safety and it certainly a topic that we take very seriously,” Miller said.
NASCAR rule 10.11.3.4 states that “All tires and wheels must be installed in a safe and secure manner at all times during the event,” but the rule makes no mention of lug nuts.
Other drivers, including Greg Biffle, were critical of the policy, citing the potential for a dislodged wheel to injure competitors or fans.
Miller said NASCAR does not feel a dangerous situation exists but said the series needed to “satisfy the industry on this one.”
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