Tensions Escalate in Sonoma NASCAR Cup Race
During the NASCAR Cup race at Sonoma, a pit road incident intensified rivalries, involving drivers Ty Gibbs and Brad Keselowski. As teams strategized near the conclusion of Stage 2, both drivers opted for early pit stops to secure advantageous track positions.
Gibbs, ahead of Keselowski both on track and in the pits, cut through the RFK Racing pit stall, narrowly avoiding tire carrier Telvin McClurkin, who reported a wrist injury from the incident but continued to perform his duties without pause.
The confrontation escalated when McClurkin confronted members of Joe Gibbs Racing, resulting in a brief altercation before officials intervened. RFK Racing shared footage of the incident, which NASCAR reviewed, concluding that Gibbs did not violate any rules, as drivers are permitted to pass through up to three pit boxes.
Gibbs capitalized on the situation, finishing the race in seventh, while Keselowski placed 11th. "Going in, I have the right of way," Gibbs stated post-race, referencing the orange lines marking the pit boxes, underscoring the inherent risks faced by crews operating in close quarters.
This incident highlights the ongoing competitive tension within the NASCAR series, reflecting the balance drivers must strike between aggressive racing tactics and safety considerations in the pits.
