When drivers spin tires exiting pit lane, what prevents the lug nuts from becoming a weapon?

Question

When I see all the loose lug nuts flying during tire change and laying on ground, then the drive spins tires exiting pit box, I have wondered if another pit crew member or an official or even a car could be hit and hurt by the flying metal "bullet". Has NASCAR had issues with this or do you think this is something they are going to wait until something happens before they do anything about it?

Answer 1

nothing

Answer 2

Its an issue sometimes but what would you like them to do?  I think the cars themselves are more of a concern then a  flying lug nut.

No Rowdy.  That was Harry and the hubcaps..

Answer 3

There is really nothing that the teams can do about the lug nuts being flung around.  It's something that's probably expected on pit road by the crew members and they just avoid them be staying aware of what's going on around them at all times.  Sometimes though people do get hurt  and I think that that's just a part of life on pit road.

Answer 4

Hey it happens. If you watched last week's race at Charolette maybe you noticed the fire on pit road. I do not remember who's pit it was, but when the driver left the pit the lug nuts under the car sparked and hit the spilled fuel. That would be a good question to email and ask DW about maybe he would answer it at an upcoming race on air.

Answer 5

nothing keeps them from becoming a weapon last week i dont remembers whos pits but a lugnut caused a spark and started a fire

Answer 6

nothing prevents them from becoming a weapon

Answer 7

all i can say is watch out

Answer 8

They are surely flying weapons during pit stops just as you describe. Unfortunately someone may end up losing an eye before something is done about the lug nuts flying around the pits.  See the link below:

Answer 9

It happens a lot.  There is not a lot they can do about it (NASCAR).  As soon as the car leaves, the team sweeps the pit box.  But, that is about all they can do unless we have like 3 minute pit stops.

Answer 10

NUTTEN

Answer 11

they have had issues with this in the past, and luckily they have been relatively few and far between.  as tbone says, i'd be far more worried about cars sliding into and out of pit stalls around me at 35-55 mph than a lug nut whacking me in the chest - if i'm smart, and following the rules, i'm wearing my helmet so i need not worry so much about a knock on the noggin.