Wheel incident at Sonoma leads to NASCAR penalties for Rick Ware Racing team

Following a serious accident at Chicago Circuit two weeks ago, Cody Ware encountered another technical issue at Sonoma Raceway — his car’s right rear wheel detached during the final laps of the race.

The Sonoma incident required a caution flag, though the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford managed to continue after pit repairs. Ware finished 34th out of 37 competitors — his worst result since racing at Bristol about three months ago.

NASCAR took firm action regarding the incident by imposing penalties on the team. Two crew members — Marquill Osborne as rear tire changer and De’Quan Hampton as jackman — received suspensions for the upcoming races at Dover and Indianapolis.

In the Xfinity Series, NASCAR also issued fines to three teams for loose lug nuts:

• Chevrolet No. 21 Richard Childress Racing of Austin Hill
• Toyota No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing driven by Dean Thompson
• Chevrolet No. 44 Alpha Prime Racing with driver Brennan Poole