Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team has moved swiftly to adjust for the anticipated two-race suspensions of key pit crew members following the loss of a wheel during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With NASCAR’s strict safety policies enforcing automatic penalties for uncontrolled wheels, RCR has named Chris Jackson and Garrett Crall as replacements for the upcoming races.
A Costly Mistake at Las Vegas
During the South Point 400 at Las Vegas, Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet lost a wheel—a critical safety violation under NASCAR’s rules. Since the introduction of the Next Gen car and its single-lug wheel system, the sanctioning body has been firm on penalizing loose or detached wheels to prevent dangerous situations on track.
Under the current rulebook, a wheel detachment during a race typically results in the suspension of two pit crew members, often the rear tire changer and jackman, for two events. While NASCAR has yet to officially confirm the penalties, RCR is preparing accordingly, ensuring a smooth transition for the No. 8 team.
Replacements Lined Up
To fill the gaps left by the expected suspensions, RCR has brought in experienced pit crew members from the NASCAR Xfinity Series:
- Chris Jackson (Rear Tire Changer): Jackson currently serves as the rear tire changer for Matt DiBenedetto’s No. 38 car in the Xfinity Series. His experience at the Xfinity level will be crucial as he steps into the fast-paced environment of the Cup Series.
- Garrett Crall (Jackman): Crall, who handles jack duties for Kris Wright’s Xfinity Series entry, will take over as the No. 8 team’s jackman. His familiarity with high-pressure pit stops should help maintain efficiency during Busch’s pit cycles.
Both Jackson and Crall will have a major role in keeping Busch competitive during their stint with the team.
Impact on Kyle Busch and RCR
Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has had an up-and-down start to the 2025 season, and losing key members of his pit crew adds another challenge. Pit road execution is critical in NASCAR, where track position can make or break a race.
While Jackson and Crall bring solid experience, the chemistry and rhythm of a pit crew are crucial. Adjusting to new personnel midseason—especially in high-stakes races—could impact Busch’s ability to maximize his race-day performance. However, RCR’s proactive approach in securing replacements ensures the team can still operate at a high level.
Looking Ahead
If the suspensions are confirmed, the No. 8 team will have to manage without two of its core pit crew members for the next two races. NASCAR’s enforcement of wheel-related penalties remains strict, reinforcing the importance of flawless pit stops.
For now, all eyes are on RCR and Kyle Busch as they work to minimize disruptions and keep their championship hopes on track.
