Once again, drivers have been disqualified from an event prior to the main race of a week long racing event.
During the Tulsa Shootout, officials disqualified six drivers over tire infractions. On the eve before the main events of the 39th annual Chili Bowl officials have disqualified two drivers over tire infractions.
The biggest event in midget racing, the Chili Bowl follows the Tulsa Shootout at the Tulsa Expo Center. All through the week long event, officials take random tire samples.
Two drivers “failed to reach the benchmark” and Clinton Boyles and Hunter Schuerenberg were disqualified from the event and placed in last place of their respective races.
Officials at the Chili Bowl issued a statement saying, “random tire samples have been collected throught the 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink and sent for testing. Results returned so far have confirmed that two samples did not conform to benchmark. Chemical alteration of tires is prohibited in Chili Bowl competition and will result in the removal of the event or suspension through the next calendar event.”
Officials noted, “teams and drivers were made aware of the results and acknowledged the use of a chemical agent.”
Tire samples are taken randomly after each race with team members looking on. Samples are placed in sealed vials and placed in an evidence bag and marked with the date, race, tire compound and serial number, and the official’s initials and team reps signature before being sent out for testing to the Blue Ridge Race Lab LLC in Lenoir, North Carolina.