Justin Taylor has been declared the winner of the Sportsman Division race at Bowman Gray Stadium on Saturday night almost in default as the top four flagged finishers were all disqualified for a variety of technical infractions afterwards.
After the race, as reported by Short Track Scene over the weekend, the top five finishers were asked to stick around for an expanded technical process. Taylor, oddly enough, was not able to participate in the inspection process because he was transported to a local medical facility for a heat related illness.
The top four finishers have all disqualified and Taylor has inherited the win despite not participating in the inspection process asked of him as well.
Those who attended inspection were asked to remove their oil pans and only second place finisher Chase Robertson complied and was cleared. The top three finishers, which also included flagged winner Zack Clifton and third place Sterling Plemmons had their right rear tires sent to a lab to check for chemical alterations.
Zack Ore was flagged fourth and also refused having his oil pan removed.
On Tuesday, Clifton, Robertson and Plemmons were disqualified for having illegally modified tires. Ore was disqualified for refusing to take part in the process and Taylor inherited the win despite not participating in a process that was also intended for him.
Robertson, who is leading the championship standings, Plemmons were fined $400 and 40 points each for the tires were found to be illegally chemically modified. Ore, who is second in the points standings did not have a fine over tires because his were not tested.
The general consensus from drivers in the division is that tire soaking is fairly common and has never been enforced. In fact, it’s part of the cost-appeal of racing at Bowman Gray Stadium because a set or two of tires can last the entire season with the chemical treatment.
Bowman Gray Stadium has been repeatedly asked for comment but has not responded.
Corey Latham contributed to this report
Bob Smith
July 29, 2025 at 8:15 pm
You know a lot of smaller tracks, if a competitor is asked to tear down and they don’t comply they can’t come back and race. Until they do comply. And if they say well I changed the motor it’s not the same motor okay good we’ll check that part of the motor again. And if you’re still illegal you can’t race.. that would certainly put a stop to the guys not tearing down this week but then showing up next week with the same stuff possibly getting away with it for 2 or 3 more races. Just an observation on my part
Anonymous
August 1, 2025 at 8:27 pm
If Bowman Gray Racing wanted to enforce the specification of the cars with diligence, they would.