Lug nut, as defined by Merriam-Webster: a heavy piece of metal that is screwed on to a bolt that holds a wheel on a vehicle.
You can pick one up at a parts store for a couple bucks or get one cheap at a salvage yard. Like most things, NASCAR parts are more expensive. But lug nuts as a dot in team balance sheets.
Now, lug nuts are the biggest topic in stock car racing. Or rather, safety regarding installation of lug nuts on racecars overshadows most other news, including preparations for races at Richmond.
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Tony Stewart's comments this week set off a firestorm that resulted in NASCAR fining Stewart $35,000 for, essentially, criticizing it; and fellow drivers coming to Stewart's defense.