Stephen Nasse disqualified after winning Snowball Derby; Driver comments

Stephen Nasse accuses 5 Flags Speedway officials of playing favorites; Claims last year’s winner had an illegal motor

Ty Majeski was set to cruise to victory at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida on Monday night. However, a caution with one lap to go setup a shootout to the finish in the Snowball Derby.

Ty Majeski got jacked up on the restart. He spun at the front of the field and took out many of the front runners.

Instead, Stephen Nasse drove to victory lane. It was the biggest win of his racing career to date.

Nasse started 2nd from last after failing to qualify on time. He advanced into the show through the LCQ. Power steering went out on lap 80 of the 300 lap event and drove it to the front anyway.

Three hours after the finish, Nasse was declared illegal in technical inspection. The official discovered a “titanium violation with his brakes.”

Snowball Derby technical director Ricky Brooks

“The brake calipers had titanium brake caps over the pistons in the calipers,” Snowball Derby technical director Ricky Brooks told Speed51.

“That’s a distinct no-no in the rule book.  It says blatantly, in black and white, no titanium allowed anywhere on the car. There are other parts of the rule book that specify you can put titanium valves or whatever. That part of the rule book states that you cannot have it on the race car.

“There’s a reason they were there.  They don’t hold the heat. They were drilled to keep from holding the heat going into an aluminum piston and aluminum caliper. There is an advantage to it.”

“Did it help (Nasse) in this race? Who knows. It’s like any other DQ we have. It’s all about the rulebook. If we don’t go by the rulebook, we stand for nothing.”

Instead, Travis Braden was declared the winner of the super late model event.

“It’s incredible,” said Travis Braden, the 25-year-old. “The whole year, this team has worked and worked, and I can’t even begin to describe what this means.”

Stephen Nasse 51 - Snowball Derby
Stephen Nasse 51 – Snowball Derby

Stephen Nasse comments on Snowball Derby disqualification

“First of all, let me start by saying that I have the best guys in the business behind me,” Stephen Nasse opened in the social media statement.

“My Jett Motorsports guys are amazing and we had 2 bad ass cars tonight. I drove from 36th to 1st with no power steering.”

“We also have the best people supporting us and one of those people are Brembo Brakes. Whom I highly recommend for all your brake needs.”

“We left PFC brakes because they weren’t willing to help us and were playing favorites. The first thing tech asked us to do is remove the brakes because they had a “tip” for their major supporter at PFC Brakes, Chris Dilbeck.”

“In our brake system there was a small titanium cap which does not enhance performance at all. Last year, the winning car was cleared with an illegal motor, which is an advantage.”

“This sport is nothing but playing favorites. I’ve been the classy guy and the nasty guy, trying to be the best I can and win the biggest race of my life.”

“To have it taken away like this, just sucks. I appreciate all the support,” Nasse concluded.

More

2019 Snowball Derby Results

Stephen Nasse explains why he threw his helmet at his own pit crew

2018 Snowball Derby Results

2017 Snowball Derby Results

Links

Stephen Nasse Racing | Travis Braden | PFC Brakes | Brembo Brakes | 5 Flags Speedway

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