@BoziTetarevic on X
Trackhouse Racing tire changer JP Kealey is an elite athlete. He played several years in the National Lacrosse League and stands at six feet tall and nearly 200 pounds. But even Kealey was no match for a runaway flying tire during last weekend NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono.
Kealey, a tire changer for rookie driver Shane Van Gisbergen, suffered two broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung when he was struck by a 50-plus pound tire and wheel. The incident occurred during a pit stop when fellow Trackhouse driver AJ Allmendinger slid long in his box, accidentally hitting one of his own tire changers and sending the tire flying toward Kealey.
Not only did an object as heavy as a large piece of luggage hit JP at speed but the tire also jammed his ten pound wheel gun into his chest as it hit him so while adrenaline might have pushed him through to finish the pit stop, he’ll probably need some time to recover. pic.twitter.com/uWN7YyxfCi
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) June 24, 2025
The tire actually struck the pit gun that Kealey was holding, slamming it back into his chest and causing the injuries. Kealey went flying to the ground as well. After a few seconds, he managed to get back on his feet and complete the stop, but he was later shown in visible pain.
Ironically, Kealey was a member of Allmendinger’s pit crew a year ago. Kealey remained in a Pennsylvania hospital until Tuesday for examination. He will not be a member of Van Gisbergen’s crew for this Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.