'Never seen anything like that,' NASCAR crew chief says of what happened in Las Vegas race
A crew chief in NASCAR describes a bizarre incident during a race in Las Vegas where a large trash bag covered the car's grille and a beer can ended up in the air filter.
Trash Bag and Beer Can Cause Trouble
During Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, William Byron's car was unexpectedly covered by a large trash bag that blew onto the track. To make matters worse, it was later discovered that the bag contained a beer can, which ended up in the car's air filter. Crew chief Rudy Fugle expressed his surprise, stating that he had never seen anything like it before.
As a result of the debris covering the front grille, Byron had to make an unscheduled pit stop on Lap 47 to remove the trash bag. The engine had started to overheat due to the lack of airflow. This unfortunate incident prevented Byron from showcasing the full potential of his car throughout the race.
Despite the setback, Byron managed to finish in 10th place. His Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Kyle Larson, ultimately won the race.
Frustration and Regrets
Reflecting on the race, Fugle expressed his frustration and regret over the missed opportunity to demonstrate the strength of their car. He mentioned a few key moments that contributed to their less-than-ideal performance, such as sliding through the pit box during a green flag stop and struggling on restarts.
Despite these challenges, Fugle remained positive and acknowledged the effort put forth by the team. Overall, he was disappointed with how the race turned out but remained hopeful for future opportunities to showcase their capabilities.
The Fate of the Trash Bag
Following the race, Fugle revealed that the trash bag was actually provided by one of the sponsors who attended the event. They were understandably disappointed by the incident as their sponsored car was performing exceptionally well before the mishap. Fugle mentioned seeing the sponsors with the bag after the race and jokingly considered it a souvenir for them.
While the incident was certainly unusual, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of racing and the various factors that can impact a team's performance. Despite the challenges faced, the team remains focused on learning from their experiences and striving for success in future races.
