NASCAR deal playoff blow to Cup Series driver with double penalty

NASCAR Cup Series star Erik Jones will be without a couple of key members of his team this weekend at Iowa, thanks to a disciplinary decision.

Jones and his No. 43 team will be without jackman Kellen Mills and front tire changer John Rosselli for this weekend's race, as well as the following race at Watkins Glen for an incident at Indianapolis last Sunday.

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The 29-year-old wrecked at the Brickyard just after a trip to pit road for fuel and fresh rubber, with his right front sailing off the car and into the wall followed by 1.7 tons of Next Gen Toyota Camry.

The pit crew pair have been given NASCAR's current standard punishment for the safety violation, ruling them out for two races as the hunt for a late playoff place hots up.

Jones is unlikely to win his way into the postseason in the remaining weeks, as evidenced by his average finishing position over the last four races being 29.25, but the suspension will deal a blow to his chances of finishing in the top 20 of the regular season points standings.

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Jones: I knew I would wreck into turn three

Speaking after the race about the moment his wheel detached – unusually leaving the tire clinging to the wheel arch rather than departing with the rest of the wheel – Jones said: "No warning other than just slow on the right front (during a pit stop).

"I saw them struggling there for a second, but figured we got it on. (As) soon as I turned into (turn) three, I knew we were going to crash, and I felt it come off.

"Yeah, it looked bad but honestly didn’t feel as bad in the car as others I’ve had. I feel good and fortunate, happy for that. But, sad for the team. Fast car and things weren’t working out the best today, but I just wanted to have a shot at the end.”

NASCAR also announced the suspension of Xfinity Series star Austin Hill on Tuesday, after the title challenger wrecked out Aric Almirola at Indy.

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