NASCAR spokesperson explains red flag decision at Las Vegas

NASCAR brought out the red flag less than 30 laps into Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after Chris Buescher’s right front wheel fell off, which resulted in his No. 17 Ford slamming into and sliding across the outside wall in Turns 1 and 2.

It took nine minutes into the caution for NASCAR to throw the red flag after it became clear the outside wall needed to be repaired. NASCAR spokesperson Mike Forde further explained the decision to red flag the race rather than keep the race yellow.

“Had planned to have the welding truck park right up against the wall for repair, and keep race yellow for a hopeful quick fix. Once truck arrived, it realized it needed to park on apron, which would add time. Rather than extend caution, decided to red flag it,” Forde wrote on X.

The race resumed with 45 laps remaining in Stage 1. Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson sit in first and second and have separated themselves from the pack.

Chris Buescher done for the day in Las Vegas

As for Buescher, his day is done. Speaking with Performance Racing Network, Buescher said it appears something in the suspension of the racecar cut the wheel in half.

A problem for @Chris_Buescher puts the No. 17 in the wall. pic.twitter.com/VxQqJTQmeD

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 3, 2024

“Trying to break it down but lost the nut, lost half the wheel,” Buescher said. “Not exactly sure just yet but it looks like the nut came off but something in the suspension actually cut the wheel in half. … We’re going to be contenders; we’re going to win some races, but it’s not going to happen today.”

As a result of the wheel falling off, Buescher’s team will receive a penalty from NASCAR — a two-race suspension for two crew members of NASCAR’s choosing.

Buescher, 31, is coming off a career season in the Cup Series. He won three races this past season — in a five-race span at that — and finished seventh in the points standings. Buescher began his 2024 campaign with a P18 result in the Daytona 500 and a ninth-place finish in the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

He’ll look to get back on track in next Sunday’s Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway.