Two Tire Changers Injured During NASCAR Cup Enjoy Illinois 300 Race

Two tire changers were injured in separate accidents Sunday during the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Thomas Hatcher, a member of Joe Gibbs Racing’s pit crew department who was the front tire changer for Erik Jones during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup race at World Wide Technology Raceway, has been evaluated and released from St. Louis University Hospital.

Hatcher was injured during a pit stop when he and the team’s tire carrier became entangled as Jones’ car slid to a stop. Hatcher was transported to the track’s infield care center via ambulance. After an initial evaluation in the infield care center, he was transported to the hospital for additional testing. He was cleared by the hospital, and he has returned home.

Hatcher will undergo NASCAR concussion protocol this week.

Legacy Motor Club, which is moving to Toyota for the 2024 season, leases its pit crews from Joe Gibbs Racing.

A.J. Rosini, front tire changer for Denny Hamlin, lost part of his canine tooth and received eight to 12 stitches in his lip after an air regulator broke and the hose hit him in the face. Rosini resumed his duties after being treated at the infield care center during the event’s first of three red flags.