A.J. Rosini, a Joe Gibbs Racing crew member, has made a resilient comeback after enduring a significant health setback. Earlier in 2025, Rosini suffered a seizure that left him with a broken nose and sidelined him from serving as a tire changer for the first half of the NASCAR Cup Series season, but he has now resumed his duties with the #54 JGR Toyota team, driven by Ty Gibbs.
Rosini described the harrowing morning that changed his season in a detailed interview. In February, as he lay in bed beside his wife, he sensed something was wrong.
“I was in bed with my wife. I woke up, it was like 7 in the morning, [and I] started feeling kind of weird. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. So, I woke her up and told her I was having trouble breathing. And I was like, ‘Alright, let’s go to the hospital.’ She gets up to go to the closet to get some clothes out. I sat up on the edge of the bed, had my head in my hands and everything, and just wiped out.”
This frightening incident escalated quickly, as Rosini experienced a seizure that caused him to fall from the bed, hit his head, and break his nose. His wife recounted that he was unconscious for about half a minute before regaining awareness, but he had no memory of what had transpired.
“Started having a seizure, fell right off the bed, and hit my head on the ground, broke my nose. From what she told me, I was out for about 30 seconds. Came back to it, and I had no idea what had happened.”
Following this medical emergency, Rosini recovered from his broken nose in time for the second race of the 2025 campaign at EchoPark Speedway. Nevertheless, a neurologist delivered unexpected news: because of the seizure, Rosini would be unable to return to his pit crew position for six months. This restriction was difficult for Rosini to accept as he was eager to rejoin the team and continue his work at Joe Gibbs Racing.
“It was a hard pill to swallow,” Rosini said.
Despite the setback, Rosini eventually made his way back to the racetrack during the Brickyard 400 in July, although not in his previous capacity. Austin Maloney, a friend and fellow crew member, had stepped in as the tire changer for Denny Hamlin‘s #11 JGR Toyota and solidified his position on the team during Rosini’s absence. This shift meant Rosini had to adapt to a new role and environment upon his return.
Initially, Rosini joined Front Row Motorsports and serviced Noah Gragson’s #4 Ford for both the Brickyard 400 and the subsequent race in Iowa. Afterward, he came back to Joe Gibbs Racing, assuming the tire changer position for Ty Gibbs’ #54 car. The upcoming event in Kansas marks Rosini’s 10th race since returning from his health ordeal, symbolizing his persistence and determination to overcome adversity and reclaim his place among the sport’s pit crew elite.
Joe Gibbs Racing drivers make push for Round of 8 spots
As the NASCAR Cup Series progresses with two races left in the Round of 12, the Joe Gibbs Racing trio of Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin are all intent on progressing to the next stage. Ahead of the Kansas race, these drivers are all positioned with strong chances.
Christopher Bell currently ranks fourth in the playoff standings with a 29-point cushion, while Denny Hamlin sits in fifth place, 27 points above the elimination cutoff. Chase Briscoe occupies the last available spot to advance to the Round of 8, with a slim 12-point margin protecting his position. With so much at stake, the competition is fierce as each driver and crew, including the recently returned A.J. Rosini, will need to deliver their best efforts to continue their quest for a championship.
The remarkable resilience and commitment to team displayed by individuals like Rosini have underscored the unpredictable nature of motorsports, and Joe Gibbs Racing’s collective experience highlights both the physical and emotional challenges faced by crew members and drivers. As the campaign pushes towards its crucial stages, the organization’s response to adversity will be essential in shaping its playoff journey and legacy.
