NEWS: Jesse Love DQ’d at the Rock; Sammy Smith Wins

ROCKINGHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 19: Sammy Smith, driver of the #8 Pilot Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Xfinity Series North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black's Tire at Rockingham Speedway on April 19, 2025 in Rockingham, North Carolina. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

What’s Happening?

We’ve got some big news developing out of Rockingham tonight, Daily Downforce readers. That’s right. Following a post-race inspection, the number 2 Wheelen Chevrolet was disqualified. NASCAR officials stated that the rule Love’s team violated was number 14.14.2.1-5.H, stating that “all mating surfaces between the trailing arm and the U-bolt saddle must be in complete contact with each other.” This would suggest that there were gaps between the parts in Jesse Love’s car, which made it illegal, giving him an unfair performance advantage.

Due to this disqualification, Jesse Love is stripped of his win today. Rather, he will be credited with a 37th-place finish with only one win on the year. The victory now goes to the original runner-up finisher and Dash 4 Cash winner, Sammy Smith. It marks Smith’s 3rd career Xfinity Series win.

Jesse Love wasn’t the only team to get disqualified here tonight. The 19 car also failed inspection due to the lug nuts not being safely tightened/secured. The 19 team was credited with a 38th place finish.

What do you think of this, NASCAR fans? Are you happy with the way NASCAR reacted? Are you surprised? Let us know what you’re thinking on all of our social media pages. And be sure to continue to check back here throughout the week for all the latest news and stories fresh from the NASCAR garage.

Share this: