Overview

• JP Kealey was discharged from the hospital and is recuperating at home after suffering two cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung, and is expected to miss several weeks of races.
• The injuries occurred when AJ Allmendinger’s too-fast entry into his pit stall dislodged a tire that struck Kealey and drove his air gun into his side during a green-flag stop.
• Kealey briefly resumed work on Shane van Gisbergen’s car before seeking medical attention, highlighting the high-risk nature of split-second pit road operations.
• Trackhouse Racing has tapped Noel 'Bud' Merrill Jr., a seasoned rear tire changer, to step in for Kealey at the upcoming Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
• NASCAR teams must rapidly reassign crew roles after on-track incidents to maintain safety and performance under strict pit-stop regulations.