The issue of fines and suspensions for Crew Chiefs has enduringly plagued NASCAR this season. While the last thing drivers want is for such a situation like this to occur in the Playoffs, the opening race itself saw two suspensions.

Crew Chiefs to Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch were suspended for the next race for two unsecured lug nuts on their cars.

Bowyer will undoubtedly miss Johnny Klausmeier in his team for the next race at Richmond. Greg Zipadelli, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Vice President of Competition, will join the pit box for Bowyer’s No. 14 team.

Seems like deja vu for Bowyer as Zipadelli served as his Crew Chief for a race earlier this season as well. Last month, Klausmeier was suspended for the race at the Michigan International Speedway for the same issue.

Can Greg Zipadelli help Bowyer’s fortunes?

Zipadelli has a strong reputation as Crew Chief. He served as Tony Stewart’s Crew Chief for his Cup Series titles in 2002 and 2005. Earlier this year, he also was the interim Crew Chief to Chase Briscoe in the Xfinity Series. Notably, Briscoe won three of the four races with Zipadelli leading the pit box.

Despite the introduction of Zipadelli not paying off for Bowyer at Michigan, the veteran driver will hope Zipadelli’s skills as Crew Chief come in handy at Richmond. The stakes are much higher this time around as the Playoffs are underway.

Bowyer finished 10th at Darlington but believed he was set for a higher finish. An incident caused damage to Bowyer’s car, and he could not challenge the field for a higher finish.

“That kind of set us up to have.. not a very good day. Put us in a hole. We were going to be in a single-digit for sure there. Looking pretty good there,” he said later.

Meanwhile, for Kyle Busch as well, the substitute Crew Chief is a familiar face. Jacob Canter will lead Busch’s team at Richmond. The two paired together during Busch’s four Xfinity Series appearances as well this season.

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The issue of unsecured lug nuts found in post-race inspections, and the resulting suspensions, has been a frequent issue in NASCAR this season. Teams will have to be alert in a bid to avoid a situation that now plagues Busch and Bowyer during a crucial phase of the season.