No. 43 Team’s Right-Rear Tire Changer Stumbles in Qualifying

During the All-Star Open qualifying session at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 16, 2025, the No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota faced an unexpected setback. The right-rear tire changer lost his footing on pit road, causing a brief slip that led to valuable seconds lost during their qualifying attempt.

Every moment counts in NASCAR qualifying, and even small delays can shift a team’s starting position for these high-stakes events. Pit crews in NASCAR handle intense pressure as they work through coordinated stops involving changing tires, fueling, and adjusting cars in just seconds. For more on the mechanics of pit stops, check out this NASCAR official guide.

A slip or misstep not only impacts performance but can influence the entire race strategy for a team. The No. 43 crew’s delay in the pits reflected just how quickly fortunes can change during qualifying rounds, especially with such a competitive field lined up for the All-Star Open.

Elsewhere during the weekend, Shane van Gisbergen clinched the pole position for the All-Star Open, steering his No. 88 entry to the front of the grid. In Friday’s practice sessions, Tyler Reddick topped the charts with a blistering lap at North Wilkesboro.

Several teams, including Todd Gilliland’s, faced their own challenges. Gilliland’s crew narrowly avoided losing a tire due to a loose lug nut during qualifying.

Incidents like these highlight the crucial teamwork and focus required behind the scenes on race day. The energy at North Wilkesboro remained high as drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch returned after last year’s altercation at the historic track.

Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet faced trouble during practice after making contact with the wall in Turns 1 and 2. The action continued with Corey Heim aiming to defend his Truck Series win while taking on Kyle Busch in the coming race.

This year’s All-Star Race weekend introduced a new manufacturer rivalry, adding another level of excitement for teams and fans. Amid the competition, the No. 17 RFK Racing group was hit with an L1 penalty for violations at Kansas Speedway, underscoring NASCAR’s strict enforcement of technical rules. For a deeper dive into NASCAR regulations, visit the NASCAR Rule Book.

Off the track, drivers kept busy with community events like Chase Elliott’s visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Station for Mission 600. Teams also prepared for the 2025 Pit Crew Challenge, which features a $100,000 prize and the opportunity to showcase pit crew speed under timed conditions.

The No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing crew is focused on defending their challenge title, underscoring the importance of skilled team members in both race and qualifying settings. As the All-Star Race approaches, eyes remain on crews and drivers to see how moments like a pit lane slip could influence race outcomes.

The smallest details continue to prove decisive, making qualifying sessions and pit crew performance essential parts of every event. For further insights into racing strategies, explore this MIT Motorsports analysis.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.