NASCAR suspends 2 of Denny Hamlin’s pit crew for wheel violation at Bristol

NASCAR suspended two members of Denny Hamlin’s pit crew two races each for a wheel coming off Hamlin’s car last weekend at Bristol.

NASCAR’s rules state that a driver is penalized two laps for a wheel coming off the car on the track and two pit crew members are suspended two races.

Missing two races will be front tire changer Austin Maloney and jackman Joel-Alexandre Bouagnon.

Joe Gibbs Racing has deferred the penalty a week, allowing both to be on Hamlin’s crew Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported Wednesday.

That means that the two crew members will be suspended for Kansas and the Charlotte Roval, the final two races in the second round of the Cup playoffs.

Say what? Who was that on Ryan Blaney’s radio during Bristol race?

Ryan Blaney’s 4-year-old nephew provided an unexpected pep talk in the final stage at Bristol.

• Dustin Long,

• Dustin Long,

Hamlin is the points leader entering the second round of the playoffs. He is 26 points above the cutline.