Matt Waltz DQ’d from SoBo 200 runner-up, critiques entire inspection process

Matt Waltz was originally scored with a runner-up result in the South Boston 200 on Saturday night but a post-race inspection produced a disqualification and a familiar frustration amongst Late Model Stock racers who compete at the venerable Virginia bullring.

Specifically, Waltz was found in violation of Rule 20F-10.6-G of the NASCAR Weekly Series Late Model Stock Rule Book, which reads ‘cambered rear axle housings or rear axle housing with toe will not be permitted. The method used to check camber and toe will be at the Track Officials discretion.’

As a result, Waltz loses his second place run, which hurt not only his results in this race but also a chance to compete for the prestigious triple crown championship at Langley and Martinsville.

This has been a section of the rule book that has been a frequent point of disqualifications at South Boston Speedway over the past decade with some competitors even refer to falling victim to it as ‘being skewed’ by officials.

In a lengthy statement on Wednesday, Waltz said he was ‘disappointed and furious’ at the decision. He said he ‘was in disbelief with the zero tolerance in how the rear axle housings are measured’ at South Boston to compared to every other track.

“South Boston Speedway’s homemade jig measures a diameter of 38″ which far exceeds the diameter of our racing tire (27″ inches). This diameter unrealistically amplifies the measurements and their 1/8″ of allowable tolerance on a 38″ diameter allows .188 degree of camber or toe. This is an unprecedented tight tolerance and an egregious decision for disqualification. I understand the rules and this is at the race track’s discretion but the tight tolerances are unprecedented in typical technical inspection for (Late Model Stock Car) racing. We have been checked at every race track including Martinsville Speedway and have always been legal in the judgement of the other track officials. The amount camber or toe measured in my rear axle was a minuscule amount and in no way would have provided any significant performance advantage for us this past Saturday.”

An additional point of contention for Waltz is that he felt singled out because conviction had circulated overnight that at least three drivers were at risk of this infraction. Waltz did not name them but Short Track Scene understands from multiple conversation on the matter that Parker Eatmon, who finished fourth and Ryan Millington, who finished fifth, also were in violation but was cleared as a result of ‘race damage.’

Waltz continued:

“Myself and many others witnessed at least one other rear end that moved as much as mine however they persuaded the tech officials that this was because of racetrack damage. We had contact on the wheels as well in the race but they are still choosing to single us out and disqualify us. If the rear specifications on the other car passing is justifiable by contact and not counting as a performance advantage for them, then why am I being penalized?”

Waltz also referenced ‘another car that had truck arms on one side that had a half moon notch in it.’ (Update: A previous version of this story stated sources that said this was the race winning JR Motorsports No. 88 but additional correspondence has corrected this as the No. 77 Chad Bryant Racing car of Darren Krantz)

Waltz continued:

“This is a clear violation of the rules in 20F-12.B concerning the construction of the truck arms. Everyone in this industry knows this is done to promote flex, lightens the truck arm, and gives the car grip however South Boston Speedway is choosing not to penalize them.”

It’s worth referencing that South Boston Speedway most recently disqualified flagged winner Landon Huffman and Nelson Motorsports for the same rear skew issue during the same race in 2023.

Also worth the historical reference point that Corey Heim at Lee Pulliam Performance was disqualified for the same infraction as Waltz in 2018 during a weekly show at the track.

Waltz ended his statement:

“All of this is an attack on our team. Rear camber could have been easily checked at any time prerace as we went through tech Friday and Saturday but they didn’t use a typical process. I have been building and racing LMSC’s since 2008 and have never once been disqualified and have never put something on my racecar that I thought would put me in this position.

“South Boston’s short-sighted decision to completely disqualify us from the event is disappointing to us and damaging to our triple crown drive. Waltz Racing will not return to South Boston Speedway under the current NASCAR rules unless a more common-sense process and tolerance is adopted.”

Short Track Scene did check in with Waltz to see if any additional context was necessary beyond the statement. South Boston Speedway has also been asked for additional information about the allegations concerning Eatmon/Hettinger Racing, Krantz/Chad Bryant Racing and Ryan Millington/Millington Seville Racing.

The website will follow-up with more information as it becomes available as this is just a real-time placeholder story.