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Appeals Panel makes decision on Sam Mayer's disqualification at Talladega

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones10/09/24brianjones_93
Sam Mayer
Jul 6, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Xfinity Series driver Sam Mayer (1) before the start of The Loop 121 at the Chicago Street Race. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

JR Motorsports has learned the results of its appeal of Sam Mayer‘s disqualification following the NASCAR Xfinity Series Talladega race, and the decision has been upheld, per Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. The team was disqualified after a post-race inspection on Saturday evening.

It was announced that Mayer’s No. 1 Chevy failed the post-race height requirement, measuring too low in the rear after the end of the United Rentals 250. Before the violation, Mayer earned a P16 finish at Talladega.

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“The panel found that NASCAR used standard inspection procedures at Talladega Superspeedway on October 5, 2024, on the #1 NXS car and found Rule 14.17.3.2.2.2 in violation,” the Panel said in a statement.

Mayer entered the race in fourth place in the playoff standings. With the disqualification, Mayer now sits 11th and is on the verge of being eliminated from postseason racing. The top eight drivers will advance to the next round, which begins on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Mayer has been competing in the Xfinity Series full-time since 2022. In 104 Xfinity Series races, the 21-year-old has won six races and finished in the top 10 54 times. Mayer has won two races this season, placing first in Texas and Iowa.

Denny Hamlin shares thoughts on Sam Mayer

After the Iowa win, Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts on Mayer. “I think that Sam Mayer just needs a little bit more time, a little bit more refined,” Denny Hamlin said on the Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin podcast. “But certainly he should be a prospect in the long run to race on Sundays. I know he said in the post-race presser that he aspires to race on Sundays, that’s what he’s here to do.

“The good news is he’s young enough… I mean he’s got tons of time and I wouldn’t rush it, because I think getting in the right situation matters. You just take the first thing that comes your way it sometimes leads to it being a bad look for you. But he’s got plenty of time to still go out there and win more races and that’s going to catch peoples’ eye. It does.”

Mayer has been driving with JR Motorsports since 2021. He signed a contract with the Haas Factory in August and will drive the No. 41 Ford next year.