A late-race mechanical failure triggered a crash that reshaped the playoff picture and forced NASCAR to take swift disciplinary action. Now, just days before the regular-season finale, one top-tier Truck Series team finds itself short-handed. The suspension has landed, and its timing couldn’t be worse.

NASCAR introduced its rear-axle separation rule (Rule 10.5.2.5.G) decades ago. This was brought in to address catastrophic component failures on the track. A tragic 1991 crash at Watkins Glen occurred when J.D. McDuffie lost a wheel spindle in Turn 5, spun into a tire wall, and died instantly. This highlighted the lethal risks of wheel or axle detachment and prompted significant safety reforms.

Recently, a NASCAR penalty took center stage when Truck Series driver and two-time champion Ben

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