It seems there is something in the Charlotte air. When the Cup Series last visited the Roval, one disqualification changed NASCAR history. Of course, we’re talking about Alex Bowman failing his post-race weight requirements and Joey Logano’s subsequent return to the playoffs. It seems like history is repeating itself at the Charlotte Motor Speedway!
Most fans came to this NASCAR weekend looking forward to Dale Jr.’s return to the broadcasting booth and Amazon Prime talking over the broadcasting duties. But by the time the BetMGM 300 ended, all eyes turned to JR Motorsports’ failure, as Sammy Smith was hit with a disqualification. And behind the scenes? Well, JR Motorsports revealed they weren’t going to appeal!
“Due to a miscalculation on our end, we failed with our weight in post-race tech with the No. 8,” the team said in a straightforward post on X (formerly Twitter). “We will not appeal.” No finger-pointing, no legal back-and-forth. Just a clean acceptance of the mistake. In a sport known for its gray areas and drawn-out appeals, that kind of transparency is almost unheard of. And it reflects something deeper about Dale Jr.’s organization: a preference for accountability over damage control. The driver failed over failing to meet the minimum weight requirement.
Due to a miscalculation on our end, we failed with our weight in post-race tech with the No. 8. We will not appeal.
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) May 25, 2025
The decision not to appeal may have surprised some, but if we go back to Bowman’s disqualification, we saw something similar. Hendrick Motorsports did not appeal, and their explanation might give us a better understanding of Junior and Co.’s decision. “NASCAR allows a clear margin to account for the difference in pre- and post-race weight. After a thorough review by our team and the sanctioning body, we simply did not give ourselves enough margin to meet the post-race requirement. Although unintentional, the infraction was avoidable.”
For Sammy Smith, it was a terrible moment, but it wasn’t his first time this season getting a penalty. During the Marine Corps 250 at Martinsville earlier this year, Smith sped his car into the back of Taylor Gray’s No. 54 Toyota, sending him spinning through Turns 3 and 4 and opening the door for Austin Hill to grab his second win of the season. It was a move likened to Austin Dillon’s Richmond move against Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano. In the end, Smith was docked 50 points in the Xfinity Series drivers’ standings and also fined $25,000.
The JR Motorsports driver powered through a hectic Xfinity Series field at Charlotte to notch what seemed like a well-earned fifth-place finish. It was his best result since Atlanta and his strongest showing yet in the No. 8 Chevrolet. But that celebration didn’t last long.
Smith’s disqualification was a setback, no doubt. The points lost could haunt him down the road, especially in a tight playoff chase. But beyond the penalty, JR Motorsports walked away from Charlotte with several bright spots and strong runs across its fleet. Because if there’s one thing Charlotte showed, it’s that JRM still has speed, just not always the balance.
Dale Jr.’s team’s Charlotte surge – Grit, growth, and missed opportunities
While Sammy Smith’s disqualification stole the post-race headlines, the rest of JR Motorsports had plenty to show for in Charlotte. The BetMGM 300 wasn’t just about setbacks. It was a showcase of raw speed, smart driving, and a reminder that JRM remains a force in the Xfinity Series. From veterans like Justin Allgaier to rising stars like Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil, the team stacked up impressive results across the board. Here’s how each of their drivers fared and what it meant for their 2025 campaign.
Justin Allgaier appeared poised for victory at Charlotte, leading a race-high 71 laps and winning both Stage 1 and Stage 2. However, a late-race miscalculation during an overtime restart allowed William Byron to overtake him, resulting in a fourth-place finish. Allgaier candidly admitted his error, stating, “I think the decision to stay out, I’m frustrated at myself for staying out. But I felt it would give me some gains on pit road. If more cars stayed out with us, or more guys took two tires, it would be net positive for us. Unfortunately, it didn’t. All those back-to-back cautions left the guys who had four tires gain a spot or two every yellow. Ultimately, it’s the price you pay. I’m sad.”
Connor Zilisch, the rookie sensation in the No. 88 car, delivered an impressive performance by finishing second. This marked his fourth top-10 finish of the season and his first at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Zilisch’s adaptability and composure under pressure continue to highlight his promising future in the series.
Carson Kvapil crossed the line in 18th place (17th eventually), a solid result for his first Charlotte Xfinity appearance. While it wasn’t the top-five finish he’s already proven capable of, the run added valuable experience on a challenging track. His ability to keep the car clean and maintain pace was impressive, especially given the crash-filled overtime finish that ultimately decided the race.
Despite the setback with Smith’s disqualification, Dale Jr.’s team’s collective performance at Charlotte highlighted the team’s depth and resilience. With multiple drivers securing top-10 finishes and showcasing competitive speed, JRM solidified its status as a powerhouse in the Xfinity Series, poised for continued success as the season progresses.
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