NASCAR to reconsider lug nut policy as drivers voice concerns

Amid an uproar by drivers calling for a revision of the policy on the number of lug nuts teams apply during pit stops, NASCAR said it is considering doing just that Friday but with no changes yet forthcoming.

The application of lug nuts has become a hot button topic in recent weeks. Teams are frequently not tightening the maximum five lug nuts before a driver leaves pit road, instead opting for four and in many instances three in an attempt to gain positions on the track. This practice has created a rash of loose wheels and anxiety among drivers that an unsecured wheel will trigger a crash.

“Since the drivers are now questioning it, it’s time for us to kind of reevaluate our position and work with the community on looking at it possibly different ways to enforce the pit road rules,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “The teams are obviously pushing harder than they ever have in this area, and it’s time for us to take a look at it.”

Previously NASCAR required the application of all five lug nuts, but a change last season to a more technology-based officiating system saw a reduction of officials on pit road. Corresponding with that switch, NASCAR no longer mandated teams tighten five lugs, though it increased the penalty if a wheel came off causing a crash.

As the number of loose wheels has increased, drivers have begun voicing their concerns. Most notably, Tony Stewart blasted NASCAR Wednesday for what he considered a lax policy that puts drivers at risk. NASCAR fined Stewart $35,000 Thursday for what it considered disparaging comments.

But while Stewart was the most publicized, he was not the lone driver to question NASCAR’s current lug nut rule. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kurt Busch and Greg Biffle have also voiced their reservations.

“I think it’s a safety issue that we should look to address before there is a negative outcome with it,” Busch said Friday at Richmond International Raceway. “To me it makes sense to have five lug nuts. You want five of them tight.”

Miller reaffirmed that NASCAR doesn’t feel drivers are endangered by wheels secured with fewer than five lug nuts, but if that is what the garage feels is necessary then the sanctioning body will examine the issue further.

“Moving forward, the teams are being very aggressive with it, and it’s been brought up as a concern,” Miller said. “When any of our competitors raise concern, it’s time for us to take a little bit harder look at it.”