At the Pocono Raceway NASCAR event, a chaotic scene unfolded during a pit stop, as AJ Allmendinger’s car launched a tire that struck Shane van Gisbergen’s crew member JP Kealey, in what has become a defining moment of the AJ Allmendinger Pocono pit stop incident. The incident, which took place amid the already unpredictable conditions of Pocono’s pit road, highlighted both the dangers pit crew members face and their commitment to the race.
Pit Stop Mishap Leaves Crew Member Down, But Not Out
As AJ Allmendinger maneuvered into his pit stall, Shane van Gisbergen, competing just ahead of him, had his No. 16 crew setting up for service. The move was routine until Allmendinger’s car clipped a tire, sending it speeding directly into van Gisbergen’s pit area. In the confusion, JP Kealey, tasked with changing rear tires, was struck and knocked to the ground.
Despite being knocked down, Kealey showed remarkable resilience. Drawing on his experience as a former D1 lacrosse player, he immediately bounced back, completing the pit stop with determination and professionalism. Such displays of resolve are common among pit crew teams in NASCAR, where split-second reactions and danger are constants.
Glad our pit crew teammates on the 88 were okay after this little issue on pit road. JP is TUFF so we know he’ll be alright. 💪 https://t.co/PKE2ZhNAsB pic.twitter.com/dimhDlqywg— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) June 22, 2025
This event not only underlined the hazards that come with life on pit road, but also the tough mentality required for the job. Pit crew members regularly contend with speeding cars, stray tires, and fire risks—yet they remain unwavering in their mission to keep the race going, ensuring drivers like AJ Allmendinger and Shane van Gisbergen get back on track with minimal delay.
Unpredictability at Pocono Shapes the Day
The Pocono Raceway, often described as “tricky” for good reason, lived up to its reputation during this race. Teams were forced to navigate both strategic and mental obstacles, as the unique track design, with its three distinct corners, tests both machine and crew. This race proved especially challenging for multiple drivers and teams, as technical troubles and accidents compounded the tension.
23XI Racing experienced significant setbacks when both Riley Herbst and Bubba Wallace crashed into the wall following right-front brake rotor failures. As the race progressed, Tyler Reddick and other competitors kept a wary eye on their equipment, knowing they could be the next to face such issues. With chaos unfolding both in the pit and on the track, every crew member and driver needed to stay vigilant and adaptable.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Growing NASCAR Experience Amid Adversity
Fresh from qualifying for the NASCAR Playoffs the previous week, Shane van Gisbergen arrived at Pocono with hopes to learn and adapt. Despite tackling the Xfinity Series here last year—where he finished 31st, one of his worst finishes—SVG approached the race as a proving ground for his skills on ovals, aiming to build on his reputation as a standout road course racer.
This race added to the mounting challenges for van Gisbergen and his crew, as they dealt not only with on-track competition, but also the unexpected pit road incident involving Allmendinger’s stray tire. Yet, their ability to bring the car home in one piece and extract new knowledge from a difficult day at the Tricky Triangle is seen as a small victory in SVG’s ongoing adaptation to full-time NASCAR racing.
Pit Lane Grit and the Road Ahead
The AJ Allmendinger Pocono pit stop incident will be remembered for the sheer toughness shown by crew members like JP Kealey. It also underscores the constant risk that pit teams undertake and the split-second nature of NASCAR racing, where even minor errors can have major consequences for drivers, crew, and race outcomes.
With the NASCAR Playoffs approaching and Shane van Gisbergen continuing to find his footing among seasoned drivers, moments like these serve as reminders of the intensity and unpredictability that define the sport. The focus now shifts to safety improvements and continuing the relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the track at upcoming events.
