The National Motorsports Appeals Panel has upheld NASCAR’s decision to disqualify Parker Kligerman’s victory in the season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The ruling, announced on Thursday, confirms that Corey Heim will be credited with the win.
Kligerman, driving the No. 75 Chevrolet for Henderson Motorsports, had crossed the finish line first in the Fresh from Florida 250 on Feb. 14. However, post-race inspection revealed that the truck failed to meet ride-height requirements, measuring too low in the rear (Section 14.17.3.2.2.2.A in the NASCAR Rule Book).
Henderson Motorsports had indicated its intention to appeal the disqualification shortly after the decision was made, stating on social media, “We feel that we have a very valid case to present to NASCAR.”
In its ruling, the three-member appeals panel explained, “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, comprised of Bill Mullis, Tommy Wheeler, and Kevin Whitaker, denied Henderson Motorsports’ appeal in the expedited hearing, making the ruling final with no further appeals available.
Following the announcement, Henderson Motorsports addressed the outcome on social media, saying, “Unfortunately we have lost our appeal regarding our disqualification from last week’s race in Daytona. 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!”
As a result of the upheld disqualification actor Frankie Muniz secured his first career top-10 finish in the Truck Series.
Kligerman, who retired from full-time racing at the end of the 2024 season to focus on his expanded role as a television analyst, is not entered in Saturday’s Atlanta Truck Series race.
