BUSCH CREW PENALIZED

Kyle Busch crew chief Adams Stevens, tire carrier Kenny Barber and tire changer Jake Seminara were suspended for four races Wednesday after a wheel came off the No. 18 Toyota during a pit stop on Sunday at Dover International Raceway. The punishment was described as the mandatory minimum for the violation of Sections 10.9.10.4.c: Tires and Wheels; 12.5.2.6.3.c. Oddly, crew chief Mike Hillman Jr., tire changer Wesley McPherson and tire carrier Eric Pinkiert received identical four-race penalties Wednesday for a similar incident in the truck series race at Dover with driver Chase Briscoe. Both Busch’s team owner, Joe Gibbs, and Briscoe’s, Brad Keselowski, had implored NASCAR to consider intent, or the lack of nefarious intent, in determining sanctions. Seminara did not get any of the lugnuts tight, and Busch left pit road when the jackman dropped the car. Busch circled the track on three wheels before returning to pit road. Barring appeal, Busch’s crew members would miss races at Pocono, Michigan, Sonoma and Daytona and could return at Kentucky.