The Appeals Panel has heard Henderson Motorsports' case and made its decision. The panel has upheld the disqualification of Parker Kligerman and the No. 75 Henderson Motorsports team.
Corey Heim of Tricon Garage is the official winner of last Friday's Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway.
NASCAR disqualified the race-winning truck for a violation of NASCAR Rule Book: Section 14.17.3.2.2.2.A Post-Qualifying and Post-Race Inspection Heights. A spokesperson said that the rear of the No. 75 Chevrolet Silverado was too low on both sides.
"The panel confirms it is more likely than not a rules violation did occur and the disqualification penalties in Rule 10.5.2.4 necessitate a race disqualification," the panel said in a statement.
The members of this Appeals Panel were Mr. Bill Mullis, Mr. Kevin Whitaker, and Mr. Tommy Wheeler.
"Unfortunately we have lost our appeal regarding our disqualification from last week's race in Daytona," said Henderson Motorsports in a statement.
"While we feel that we had a very strong case, we respect the panel's decision. We'd again like to thank all the fans for their support. We've shown that we can compete, and we'll be back. See you all in Bristol!"
With the disqualification official, Heim is now the first driver to lock up a spot in the playoffs. The Tricon Garage driver also keeps his spot atop the Truck Series standings. He has 49 points after the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. Reigning champion Ty Majeski is second with 46 points.
"Well, it is my first time having this kind of scenario happening either way, so certainly glad to be on the right side of it," Heim said last Friday after hearing that he was the race winner. "It sucks for Parker and those guys.
"It seemed like they put themselves in a position at the right time to win the race, but obviously, there is another level to it after the race. Grateful to be in the spot to take advantage of that."