NASCAR Pit Stop Chaos: Mechanic Struck by High-Speed Flying Tire

Shocking Moment NASCAR Mechanic Struck by Flying Tire During Pit Stop
By Jake Nisse | Updated: 14:11 BST, 27 June 2025

A NASCAR pit crew member suffered cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung after being struck by a flying tire during a chaotic pit stop at Pocono Raceway last weekend. JP Kealey, a tire changer for Trackhouse Racing’s Shane Van Gisbergen, was injured when a tire from teammate AJ Allmendinger’s car flew into him during a double pit stop.

[Image: Kealey crouched in pain post-impact
Caption: JP Kealey was hospitalized after a tire slammed into his side during the pit stop.]

The incident occurred as Allmendinger overshot his pit box, causing a tire to dislodge from his crew member’s grip. Video footage shows the wheel hurtling toward Kealey, striking his air gun and driving it into his torso. Despite immediate pain, Kealey briefly resumed work before seeking medical attention.

Trackhouse Racing later confirmed Kealey sustained two cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung. “I’ll be back,” Kealey assured fans on social media. Veteran mechanic Noel ‘Bud’ Merrill Jr. replaced him for this weekend’s Atlanta race.

[Image: Allmendinger’s car sliding into pit box
Caption: AJ Allmendinger’s pit stop error led to the tire hitting Kealey.]

Kealey, a former professional lacrosse player drafted 10th overall in the 2017 National Lacrosse League Draft, balances NASCAR duties with coaching high school lacrosse in North Carolina. His athletic background drew praise from fans, with many noting his resilience.

Van Gisbergen finished 31st in the race, which was won by Denny Hamlin. NASCAR has not commented on potential safety protocol changes.

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