Josh Berry’s frustrations boiled over after his No. 4 Ford was controversially sidelined following a crash on lap 1 at the Kansas Speedway Round of 12 opener. NASCAR officials ruled Berry’s race was over due to his car’s multiple flat tires, a decision made in strict adherence to the rulebook.
Berry and his crew were left to question the call, seeing it as an inconsistent application of the rules that cost them crucial points and another shot at a better finish amid an already challenging season.
Berry’s car was involved in an early wreck that left him with four flat tires, effectively immobilizing his vehicle. According to NASCAR’s rules, any car involved in a wreck that cannot make it back to the pit road due to flat tires is automatically out of the race.
This rule came into sharp focus as Berry’s car sat helplessly on the track.
“NASCAR reiterates the rule is if a car is involved in a wreck and has flat tires and can’t drive it back, they’re out. Can only get towed back for new tires if it’s a spin without contact,” explained Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, clarifying the regulations.
Rodney Childers, Berry’s crew chief, vented his frustration with NASCAR’s decision.
“I’ve seen a lot of things over my 25 years in the Cup Series, but that’s the most screwed up thing I’ve ever seen or been involved with. All we needed was tires with air in them. And how many times have we drug cars to the pit stall to put tires on them. Why today?!” Childers published (below).
Berry’s recount of the incident conveyed his frustration as he expected a tow to the pits for tire changes.
“We got clipped and spun, and we had four flat tires. I assumed they were going to tow the car to the pits, which is what I was asking for, and then they dropped my window net and told me to get out. Rodney told me to stay in because all we needed was tires.
“They were telling me to get out. Then they towed me into the campground, so I was just out there chilling with the fans. At that point, they said they had to get a rollback, and they finally made me get out. Rodney was trying to talk to somebody and couldn’t get anybody on the phone.
“I don’t know what I am missing. I have seen plenty of cars get towed to the pits and get tires put on. So, I don’t know if I am missing something or if there was something different than normal. But that was an experience for sure,” Berry detailed.
This incident adds to what has already been a difficult season for the driver, who currently sits 24th in the points standings. His recent performance has been underwhelming, having finished 22nd or worse in seven consecutive races. This latest setback only deepens the sense of frustration and desperation as the team searches for better results.
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