Anthony Alfredo experienced the biggest thrills and toughest disappointments in a short time after the second qualifying race of the Daytona Duels on Thursday. He finished the race in 18th place and secured his spot in the coveted Daytona 500. At least, that’s what he thought.
Shortly after, news arrived that Alfredo’s car had failed post-race inspection, thus voiding his result.
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NASCAR explained that a transaxle cooling hose and driver’s cooling hose were not properly secured in AlfredoThe No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet. The requirement is that they be securely attached. But that wasn’t the case. This led to the difficult decision to strip him of his position and grant it to BJ McLeod, who had finished just behind him in 19th place.
Managing Director Brad Moran said, “Usually they are riveted and, on top of that, taped. There are many ways to tape them. Obviously, different grades of tape, etc. And unfortunately, this one was only taped, and the tape didn’t hold at all.”
Morgan also confirmed that this anomaly was not noted during the pre-race inspection. He also didn’t know how the pipes came loose.
Regardless, Alfredo will not be able to appeal the decision. Moran felt this was because the disqualification occurred during a qualifying race and not a points-paying main event. According to the regulations, qualifying races are treated the same as qualifying rounds.
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Were the pipes disconnected intentionally?
Usually, when such technical infractions are noted, it is because the team or driver is trying to gain an unfair advantage. But NASCAR has moved away from that possibility by maintaining a middle ground. Morgan stressed that he could not comment on the reason behind the disconnection of the pipes.
He said: *”We’re not saying intention. Again, the rule is it has to stay connected. We’re not saying it was intentional; it wasn’t intentional. Like I said, there was one pipe and another that was out of the car. It was still connected. We left the car intact. That part (the transaxle cooling pipe) was totally separate.”*
The decision has been made and it cannot be reversed. The pain Alfredo must feel is impossible to imagine. The joy of competing in the Daytona 500 was evident in his face and voice immediately after the race. He choked up with emotion as he tried to get his words out and explained how much it meant to him after missing last year’s race.
It is a great tragedy that such an opportunity should be snatched from his hands. Hopefully Alfredo will have better luck next time.
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