Parker Kligerman disqualified, losing NASCAR Truck win at Daytona

A quick and shocking turn of events, accompanied by absolute heartbreak for Parker Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports. Just over an hour after the race’s completion, NASCAR announced that the No. 75 truck of Kligerman failed ride height checks and was too low in the rear — disqualifying his win. 

Henderson Motorsports will appeal and on Saturday morning, Kligerman made his first public comments on it where he stated his belief his team has a “valid case” in their attempt to overturn the disqualification. The appeal hearing is expected to be held early next week (Tuesday).

Kligerman was ecstatic after charging from outside the top-ten to the lead in the closing laps, earning his fourth career victory in the Truck Series. Sadly, the joy would not last. He will be scored in 36th place (last) in the final running after being stripped of his victory. Instead, Corey Heim and TRICON will take the checkered flag that Kligerman planted into the infield grass. For Heim, this will be his 12th career victory in the NASCAR Truck Series.

“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,” said Heim, shocked to learn of his sudden ascendency to first place. “It sucks for Parker [Kligerman] 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.”

The final top-ten is as follows: Heim, Gio Ruggiero, Ty Majeski, Grant Enfinger, Justin Haley, Chandler Smith, Daniel Hemric, Jason White, William Sawalich, and Frankie Muniz. For actor-turned-racer Muniz, it will be his first top-ten at the national level of NASCAR, coming in his fifth Truck Series start.

Two days of controversy

Curiously, this is now the second consecutive day in the lead-up to the Daytona 500 where the first driver to the finish line didn’t actually win the race. The second Duel race was ‘won’ by Erik Jones, but NASCAR threw a caution seconds from the line, freezing the field and handing the victory to Austin Cindric. Jones drove around to the finish line and for several minute believed he had actually won the race until a final decision came down following video review.

And unfortunately for Kligerman, losing race wins in heartbreaking fashion is not a new experience for him. Last October in the midst of the playoffs, he was seconds away from the taking the white flag and likely securing his first NASCAR Xfinity win (as well as move onto the next round in the championship). And then the caution flag flew. For a moment, he thought it was over and celebrations erupted from his pit box. The cheers quickly quieted down as NASCAR informed the team that the caution was triggered before the white flag, forcing the race into overtime and another restart. A replay showed that Kligerman was mere inches from the line when NASCAR pushed the button. He ultimately lost that race too.

Photos from Daytona 500 – Friday