Following a thorough investigation into the findings of a post-race technical inspection, South Boston Speedway has disqualified Carson Kvapil and the JR Motorsports No. 8 and awarded the win in the South Boston 200 to Bobby McCarty and the R&S Race Cars No. 6.
The originally scored third-place finisher, Landon Huffman of Nelson Motorsports, has also been disqualified resulting in a slightly altered official top-10.
The No. 8 JR Motorsports car was found to have a left rear shock that was out of compliance with the 2023 NASCAR Weekly Series rule book. Specifically, the speedway says the shock’s internal piston was the piece deemed as non-compliant.
“We never want to have to alter race results after an event, but the integrity of our on-track competition is paramount in our operation and sometimes decisions like these have to be made,” said Jeff Bomar, director of competition for South Boston Speedway.”
That sentiment was echoed by track general manager Chase Brashears.
“Racing is an extremely competitive sport and with that comes innovation and trying to get every ounce of advantage that teams can, and sometimes that innovation unintentionally steps outside the scope of the rule book,” Brashears said. “We’re extremely appreciative of the professionalism shown by all teams involved in the post-race inspection process and we congratulate official race winner Bobby McCarty.”
It’s also worth noting this is one of the occasional instances where a piece is legal in CARS Tour competition but not in the NASCAR Weekly Series.
Bilstein Shock Absorbers provided the following statement:
“thyssenkrupp BILSTEIN of America, Inc. has been a reliable partner of the global automotive industry for over 100 years. In an attempt to return to our original background, our Motorsport division made a decision to return to the short track pavement market. Earlier this year, our team submitted our shocks to multiple series for approval, including the CARS Tour, TA2 Series and weekly NASCAR LMSC (Late Model Stock Car) Series. Prior to 2023, the rule book stated a discontinued piston must be ran. Upon resubmission, we allowed a verbal approval from NASCAR Officials to guide our setups, rather than waiting for our new pistons to be placed in the Official Rules Bulletin. We take full responsibility on this matter and sincerely apologize to the entire JR Motorsports team, as well as other competitors who converted to the new piston.”
JR Motorsports team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered the following statement:
“After gathering all the facts with track officials, NASCAR, and the part provider, the part provided by the manufacturer hadn’t entirely completely the approval process put forth by NASCAR. We respect the track’s decision. Congrats to Marcus (Richmond, R&S) and Bobby on a great race.”
Kvapil echoed that statement:
“I respect the decision that South Boston and NASCAR made,” Kvapil said.”To our knowledge the part was legal and we did not know that the approval process hadn’t been 100 percent completed. Congratulations to the 6 team on their win.”
Huffman, whose number 12 car originally was credited with third place, had a rear-end housing with camber on the left and right axle tubes, which is not permitted per the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Rule Book. The car was also found with a left rear spring and shock assembly that was out of compliance.
With the disqualification of Kvapil and Huffman and McCarty being declared the official race winner the official top 10 finishers consist of McCarty, Brenden Queen, Trevor Ward, Landon Pembelton, Jacob Borst, Mason Bailey, Logan Clark, Carter Langley, Brandon Pierce and Stacy Puryear.
South Boston 200 (Updated)
South Boston Speedway
July 1 2023
- Carson Kvapil
- Bobby McCarty
- Landon Huffman
- Brenden Queen
- Trevor Ward
- Landon Pembelton
- Jacob Borst
- Mason Bailey
- Logan Clark
- Carter Langley
- Brandon Pierce
- Stacy Puryear
- Ronnie Bassett Jr
- Camden Gullie
- Jessica Cann
- Brian Thomas
- Jason Myers
- George Waldrop
- Peyton Sellers
- Eddie Johnson
- Layne Riggs
- Ronald Hill
- Mike Looney
- Kyle Dudley
- Jared Fryer
- Trey Crews III
- Zack Miracle
- Lanie Buice
- Blake Stallings
- Austin Thaxton
- Eddie Slagle
- Kenny Forbes
- Jason Barnes
- Sam Yarbrough
- Michael Rogers
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