Denny Hamlin pit crew member receives stitches in his face after suffering brutal injury during red flag
Never say that NASCAR pit crew members aren’t tough. AJ Rosini, a member of Denny Hamlin’s team, is working through a brutal injury to help his driver out during Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.
AJ Rosini, the front tire changer for the No. 11 team, received nearly a dozen stitches during an incident that occurred during a red flag. Per FOX, an air hose kicked back, smacking Rosini in the face.
Despite the injury, Rosini planned to pit the car.
Rosini could’ve easily stepped away from his duties after an injury like that. Instead, he wants to help Hamlin get back on the right track after a disappointing run last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600.
NASCAR brought out the red flag just a few laps into Sunday’s race due to lightning in the area. Even though the cars weren’t on the track, there was still plenty happening in the garages, apparently.
Denny Hamlin returns after frustrating end to Coca-Cola 600
The No. 11 team would like some redemption at World Wide Technology Raceway this weekend after things ended abruptly in Charlotte. A “temper tantrum” thrown by Chase Elliott put a halt to Hamlin’s run in the Coca-Cola 600.
On Lap 186 of last Monday’s race, Hamlin squeezed Elliott near the wall. Frustrated, the No. 9 car then right-rear hooked the No. 11, spinning both cars out and ending the race for both drivers.
A frustrated Hamlin sounded off on Elliott after the race.
“I got right rear hooked in the middle of a straightaway,” Hamlin said. “Yeah, it’s a tantrum and he shouldn’t be racing next week. Right rear hooks are absolutely unacceptable. I don’t care, it’s the same thing Bubba Wallace did with Kyle Larson. The exact same. He shouldn’t be racing.”
As a result, NASCAR issued a suspension to Elliott for one race. He won’t race in the Enjoy Illinois 300.
Enjoy Illinois 300 red flagged due to weather
NASCAR just can’t catch a break with the weather. For a second-straight weekend, Mother Nature has refused to play nicely.
Last week, both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series races were bumped to Monday during NASCAR’s visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Even after the postponement, weather impacted both races on Monday.
Lightning proved to be an issue outside the St. Louis track this weekend. Because of the inclement weather, NASCAR issued a red flag for the Enjoy Illinois 300, putting a temporary halt on the race.