Josh Berry’s frustration boiled over after his No. 4 Ford was controversially sidelined after a crash on lap 1 of the Kansas Speedway Round 12 opener. NASCAR officials ruled Berry’s race ended due to a flat tire, a decision they made strictly against the rulebook.
Berry and his staff were left to question the call, as it was an inconsistent application of the rule that cost them key points and better shots in the middle of an already challenging season.
Berry’s car suffered an early crash that left him with four flat tires, effectively destroying his vehicle. According to NASCAR rules, any wrecked car that cannot return to the pit lane due to a flat tire is automatically out of the race.
This rule came into sharp focus as Berry’s car sat powerless on the track.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
“NASCAR reiterates the rule that if a car is involved in an accident and has a flat tire and can no longer drive, it is out. It can only be pulled back for new tires if it plays without contact,” explained Jeff Gluck. from The Athletic, explaining the regulations.
Re: Josh Berry, NASCAR reiterates the rule that if a car is involved in an accident and has a flat tire and can no longer drive, they are out. It can only be pulled back for new tires if it is rolling without contact.
– Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 29, 2024
Rodney Childers, Berry’s crew chief, vented his frustration with NASCAR’s decision.
“I’ve seen a lot of things in my 25 years in the Cup Series, but this is the messiest thing I’ve ever seen or been involved in. All it takes is a tire with air. And a lot of times, we take the medicine car to the bike stall to put the tire on. in them.Childers published (below).
I’ve seen a lot of things over my 25 years in the Cup Series, but that’s the most messed up thing I’ve ever seen or been involved in. All you need is a tire with air. And how many times we drug cars to bike shops to put tires on people. Why today?!? 😡
– Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) September 29, 2024
Similarly Berry’s account of the incident expressed frustration as he expected to tow it to the bike to change the tire.
“We got clipped and spun, and we had four flat tires. I thought they were going to tow the car to the pit, which I asked, then they dropped my window net and told me to get out. Rodney told me to stay in because we all needed tire.
“They told me to get out. Then they dragged me to the camp, so I was just out there with the fans. At that point, they had to call for a rollback, and they finally got me out. Rodney tried to talk to someone and couldn’t make a call anyone.
“I don’t know what I’m missing. I’ve seen a lot of cars pulled into pits and put on tires. So, I don’t know if I’m missing something or something different from normal. It’s an experience for sure,” Berry detailed.
Quote from Josh Berry, via Ford:
“We got clipped and spun, and we had four flat tires. I thought they were going to tow the car to the pit, which I asked, then they dropped my window net and told me to get out. Rodney told me to stay inside because that’s all they needed.” ..
– Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 29, 2024
The incident adds to a difficult season for the driver, who is currently 24th in the points standings. His recent performances have been disappointing, having finished 22nd or worse in seven consecutive races. This latest setback only adds to the sense of frustration and despair as the team looks for better results.
