NASCAR has upheld the disqualification of Jesse Love’s car
Sammy Smith was awarded the victory in the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire after the No. 2 Chevrolet of Jesse Love was deemed to have violated Rule 14.14.2.I-5.h which covers trailing arm spacers and pinion angle shims.
The disqualification of Love’s car was upheld the Wednesday following the much-anticipated return of NASCAR to Rockingham Speedway by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.
Before the infraction was discovered, Love was ecstatic to win at The Rock in front of a sold out grandstands.
“Oh, my gosh, these fans are amazing,” said Love, who was all but drowned out by the cheers from the onlookers, who celebrated the return of the Xfinity Series to Rockingham for the first time since 2004. “What an amazing race track. Man, this race track’s right in my alley. It’s hammer down—you’ve got to be in the gas good today!”
Fans who came to Rockingham anticipating a show weren’t disappointed. A workable second groove opened above the bottom lane, and drivers were even able to roll three-wide through the corners on occasion, though some of the attempts to do so produced regrettable outcomes.
“It’s a tough way to win that, but I feel like we’ll take ‘em any way we can get ‘em,” Smith said after learning of Love’s disqualification. “We waited here to see what happens, but overall, it was a good day, and I’m very happy with the progress we’ve made recently.”
Alpha Prime Racing placed both of their drivers in the top five at the finish. Wisconsin native Parker Retzlaff finished a career-best second with Texas teammate Brennan Poole in fourth. Harrison Burton’s third place finish was the best run to date for his AM Racing team in the Xfinity Series.
Sunoco rookie Taylor Gray completed the top five. Austin Hill, Josh Williams, Jeb Burton, Daniel Dye and Jeremy Clements finished sixth through 10th respectively.
In a welcome return to NASCAR racing, Kasey Kahne qualified fourth but was unable to avoid a spinning car in turn one 52 laps into the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire. Repairs by his Richard Childress Racing team – and Kahne’s ability – produced a 14th place finish on the lead lap.
Kahne, one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, sought out a race-winning ride as soon as Rockingham Speedway’s return to the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity schedule. He was determined to race again at Rockingham Speedway, where Kahne won the 2012 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race and finished a very close second to Matt Kenseth in the most recent Cup Series race held at the rejuvenated mile oval in 2004.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.RaceTheRock.com for updates and information on NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway.