Chris Buescher is done for the day in Vegas. His wheel fell off, which is counterproductive. https://t.co/aoW1P0pxwF pic.twitter.com/x2KcXpLjNC
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 3, 2024
Usually, when racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, teams have the best chance of being successful when all four wheels are properly secured on the vehicle.
Chris Buescher, the driver of the No. 17 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, has had his afternoon ended prematurely for exactly that reason, with his RFK Racing entry losing its right front wheel at the entrance to the first corner.
A native of Prosper, Texas, Buescher will record a 37th-place result in Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, due to the extensive damage to his Fastenal-sponsored entry after significant contact to the outside wall.
The on-track incident happened 12 laps after Buescher made his most recent pit stop, where the No. 17 Ford Mustang took on just right-side tires in an attempt to gain track position, a ploy which was successful before the incident derailed his afternoon.
Entering the third event of the year at Las Vegas, Buescher was planted in 15th place in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings, just two markers above the top-16 cutline for the NASCAR Playoffs.
With the loss of the right front wheel, there will be some mid-week penalties assessed to the crew members from RFK Racing responsible for the wheel coming loose.
