It’s a different kind of heartache to hold on to a victory and then lose it. Sports fans are currently experiencing this with the Paris Olympics. But something similar was observed at the CARS Tour last weekend. The Canadian NASCAR star was on the brink of a major career milestone in American motorsports, but lost it. When Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s series announced the decision after two full days, controversy erupted and, understandably, the winning team was infuriated.
Treyten Lapcevich had a great performance in North Wilkesboro, overcoming a mid-race accident and a near-crash to take the win. But his victory didn’t last long. During post-race inspection, a suspicious car part was found on his car, which is now damaged. Lapcevich’s championship hopes are doomed and the disappointment is palpable.
The rookie racer was penalized two days after the celebrations.
The postponed window World 125 had all the hallmarks of an exciting race. And yet Treyten Lapcevich couldn’t get enough of the hair-raising moment. He was caught in a pileup on lap nine, crashing into the wall with several competitors on top of each other. Then the Chad Bryant Racing driver nearly spun out of control as a competitor’s car developed an oil leak. But Lapuvic regained control on lap 68 and held off a charging Corey Heim for the win. But curiously, team owner Chad Bryant was denied entry to the victory lane celebration.
That was only the first sign that something was wrong. Two days later, CARS Tour officials said his No. 77 car had unapproved parts, putting an end to Lapuvic’s newfound fame. The zMAX CARS Tour was similar to NASCAR’s late ruling, as the official press release states: “After further investigation with CARS Tour technical officials and team owner Chad Bryant, it was confirmed that the unapproved parts were indeed on the car throughout the event. Lapvich’s team, Chad Bryant Racing, admitted that they had misinterpreted the printed rules, and CARS Tour management accepted that explanation.”
This unlikely turn of events earned Tricon Garage driver Corey Heim the win. The 22-year-old racer currently leads the Truck Series with five wins, and this was Heim’s third CARS Tour victory. In addition, Nelson Motorsports’ Connor Hall was penalized one lap into the race for using unimpounded tires. Hall survived the accident on lap eight, repaired his car and finished 13th, but was penalized 18th overall. Chad Bryant, who was suspiciously denied entry to the victory celebration, was clearly unhappy. He said his team should be an integral part of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s series decision going forward. His statement continued: “There was a misunderstanding between series officials and the team. I am disappointed with the CARS Tour’s decision and will be appealing it in the coming days. In my 30 years in motorsports, Chad Bryant has never been disqualified from a motorsports event, either as an employee or as a company.”
In contrast to the team owner’s lenient attitude, Treyten Lapcevich had a short-tempered reaction to the CARS Tour’s penalty.
Lapcevic criticizes Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s series
Treyten Lapcevic already had an impressive resume before he even crossed the US border. The Canadian native won multiple trophies in his home town, winning seven of 14 races on his way to the 2023 NASCAR Canada title, and joined Chad Bryant Racing as a full-time racer this season in hopes of getting acclimated to US motorsports. Lapcevic’s heart was full of ambition, and he soared with joy when he crossed the finish line in North Wilkesboro. When his thrilling victory was snatched away by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s winning streak, Lapcevic was furious. “I have to say, we’re going to fight to the end.”
He took to social media to vent his feelings, with harsher statements. His words reflected a two-sided view of the incident. “On Saturday, the technical director shook my hand and congratulated me, but on Monday I received a call saying that I might be disqualified because another competitor had expressed concerns. I work with them in the workshop every day and I know what is going to be done. The press release is written as if we misunderstood the rules,” he boldly declared, “but I assure you that it is a lie.” Despite his victory on August 6, the Canadian motorsportsman is apparently finding it difficult to accept his fate as a rookie in the American racing world. Let’s see if Lapcevich’s appeal against the punishment will be successful.
