Heading To K&N Pro Series East Season Finale, Corey LaJoie Has Appeal Of Penalty Denied

Corey LaJoie’s hopes for regaining his points lead in the K&N Pro Series East standings going to the division’s season finale were dashed Thursday by NASCAR’s Racing Appeals Panel.

LaJoie’s was penalized 25 points earlier this week after carburetor issues were found with his car in post-race tech inspection following his victory last Saturday at Greenville Pickens Speedway in Greenville, S.C.

LaJoie’s victory at Greenville Pickens vaulted him from one point behind Kyle Larson in the standings into the points lead, six ahead of Larson, with one event remaining. Then the penalty came. Now LaJoie will go to Saturday’s K&N Pro Series season finale at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway third in the standings, 19 points behind Larson and three points behind Brett Moffitt, second place in the standings.

“Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR,” read a release from NASCAR Thursday. “Therefore, the loss of 25 championship car owner points for [team owner] Randy LaJoie; the loss of 25 championship driver points for Corey LaJoie; and the $5,000 fine and probation for crew chief Ron Otto will be effective immediately.”

LaJoie has the right to appeal the decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.