Erik Jones’ Crew Chief Chris Gayle Suspended After Lug Nut Infraction at Darlington

Following Sunday Night’s The Real Heroes 400 at Darlington Raceway, six cars were found to have lugnuts unsecured following the race.

Rodney Childers [No. 4], Chris Gabehart [No. 11], Paul Wolfe [No. 22], Chad Johnston [No. 42] & Jason Ratcliff [No. 95] have all been handed a $10,000 monetary fine by NASCAR, for the failure to adequately secure five lug nuts on all four wheels.

The most major penalty belongs to Chris Gayle, the crew chief on Erik Jones’ No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Jones’ car was found to have two lug nuts inadequately secured on the racecar in post-race lugnut check, resulting in a heavier fine for crew chief Gayle.

Gayle has been suspended by NASCAR for one points-paying NASCAR Cup Series event, and has been handed down a $20,000 monetary fine.

The penalty will leave Erik Jones’ without his regular crew chief for Wednesday’s Toyota 500(k) at Darlington Raceway. Seth Chavka (a engineer on the No. 20) will be the interim crew chief on the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Wednesday at Darlington Raceway.