Xfinity Series crew chief Daniel Johnson suspended by NASCAR

Daniel Johnson, the crew chief on Martins’ No. 44 Chevrolet, has been suspended from Thursday night’s Xfinity race at Kentucky Speedway for a safety violation.

Around Lap 52 of 62 in Saturday’s inaugural series race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, the rear axle from Martins’ car dropped on the track and ended up leaving a trail of fluid that required extensive clean-up.

Martins was suspended under Safety Section 12.5.2.7.4e of the series rulebook: “Loss or separation of improperly installed rear axle.”

Martins finished 38th.