Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series penalizes Scott Bloomquist at East Bay Raceway Park
On Tuesday night, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series dropped the green on the second night of racing at East Bay Raceway Park.
Scott Bloomquist qualified 13th in Group A on Tuesday. He then finished 7th in his heat race which relegated him to the B-Main.
However, after the heat, Bloomquist left the speedway. The #0 machine did not make it to the track for the B-Main.
Bloomquist then took a provisional to start at the tail of the main event. He went on to finish last (26th) and collect the $500 starting pay for the night.
On Thursday, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series issues fines and penalties for the violation. It was announced in the drivers meeting ahead of another night of racing in Tampa, Florida.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series statement on the penalty to Scott Bloomquist
Here’s the full penalty note released by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series:
“It was announced during Thursday’s drivers meeting at East Bay Raceway Park that Scott Bloomquist will face penalties and fines for infractions during Tuesday night’s Winternationals event.”
“Bloomquist left the facility on Tuesday night after an incident in his heat race. He did not compete in the B-Main but accepted a series provisional to start the A-Main.”
“Unbeknownst to series officials, Bloomquist was not piloting the #0 during the five-laps the car completed during the A-Main before retiring from the event.”
“Bloomquist will face the following penalties and fines: Disqualification from Tuesday’s event; loss of TV Race Challenge points earned; earnings from Tuesday’s event of $500 will be forfeited and paid to the next eligible provisional (based on Fast Time), Mike Benedum.”
“Bloomquist has also been handed a $1,000 fine; suspension from Thursday night’s program; and will face an indefinite probationary period.”
Updates
Mike Benedum was the recipient of Bloomquist’s starting pay. He then jumped out of the gate on Thursday to set overall fast time just moments after the announcement of the penalty.
Bloomquist did not take to the track in qualifying on Thursday night. The car is unloaded in the pit area but he will not compete due to the suspension for the night.
Correction: An early edition of this story stated that Benedum filled the #0 seat while Bloomquist was absent from the track on Tuesday. That was not correct.
Mike Benedum only received the starting pay that Bloomquist earned for finishing last in Tuesday’s main event.
KC Burdette was the fill in driver for the #0 machine. He only made enough laps to collect the starting pay.
More
East Bay Raceway Park Results: February 5, 2019
Rick Schwallie details the new flat tire policy for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Mark Richards comments on the new visor rule for dirt late model racing
Links
Scott Bloomquist | Mike Benedum |
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series | East Bay Raceway Park
