In the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, it is taking time for teams and drivers to adjust to the new rules. One of the biggest points of contention is the switch from five lug nuts to a single lug nut. As a result of this, there has been an increasing occurrence of loose wheels breaking off from the cars.

Naturally, this has always led to a team’s crew member being ejected, particularly the crew chief. In light of all of these incidents, Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, addressed the elephant in the room.

He said, “The pressure to be fast is outweighing the pressure to get it right. That’s what’s happening, they’re dropping the jack too fast and the wheel’s not all the way tight. Or the guy’s hitting the lug nut and its not getting all the way tight.”

“Or the nut falls out of the gun and he doesn’t realize it because he’s trying to go fast. It’s just the pressure of being fast outweighing the pressure to do it right.”

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“You got to start hammering these teams because it’s not going to get any better until you penalize them.”

Will the NASCAR teams crack the code behind the perfect pit stop?

In the teams’ defense, it is difficult to find the right balance between fast and efficient pit stops. There are also times when the teams cut corners when they are in a panic or in high-pressure situations. Obviously, races place a lot of strain on the pit crews, and many battles are won or lost in the pits.

One thing is for sure, the entire paddock has their work cut out for them. This is because they have to adapt their method of changing tires and try to make them as quick as possible.

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At the same time, the teams cannot afford to slip up and send out a car with a loose wheel or two. Otherwise, their own outfit will suffer the consequences.