AUSTIN, TX. -- Kyle Larson fell out of contention for the win Sunday afternoon at Circuit of the Americas due to the loss of a wheel. Now, his team will prepare for upcoming penalties.
The incident occurred after Larson made a pit stop with three laps remaining in stage 2. This was an extended stop as the crew had issues with the left rear tire. Larson lost crucial time before heading out onto the track.
The issues compounded as he made his way around the track. His right front wheel detached from the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and rolled through the grass. It continued rolling until it reached the gravel run-off area in Turn 19.
The moment Kyle Larson's wheel decided to do its own thing. 👀 https://t.co/wjwECkUrX7 pic.twitter.com/XJvkSExIIG
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 2, 2025
The race remained green as Larson limped the No. 5 back to pit road. He then remained there while serving a penalty. The NASCAR rules call for a two-lap penalty when a car loses a wheel on the track.
Larson had raced inside the top 10 during the first two stages of the race. He fell to 37th in the running order after losing the wheel on the track. He moved up to 35th after a crash collected Daniel Suarez and Connor Zilisch.
The issues will continue for Hendrick Motorsports. The NASCAR Rule Book states, "Any loss or separation of an improperly installed tire(s)/wheel(s) from the vehicle beyond pit road will result in a two Race suspension of two Team Event Roster pit crew members for the Series in which the penalty occurred and the vehicle will be assessed a two lap penalty."
The previous penalty for losing a wheel on the track was a four-race suspension for the crew chief and two crew members. NASCAR changed the penalty before the 2023 season. Now, only two crew members will receive two-race suspensions. The crew chief will remain with the team.
NASCAR will name the crew members in its weekly penalty report.