Richard Childress Racing is appealing Jesse Love‘s disqualification following the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Rockingham Speedway, the team announced April 21.
Love won the April 19 race at the track but was disqualified by NASCAR post-race for a violation pertaining to the rule that cars’ truck trailing arms and U-bolt saddles need to be in contact with each other.
Sammy Smith was given the win after Love’s disqualification.
Instead, Love was credited with a 37th-place finish, ahead of Justin Bonsignore, whose No. 19 was also disqualified due to a lug nut rules violation.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
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Not at all surprised they’re appealing it. After the silly tantrum Childress threw when NASCAR vacated Austin Dillon’s eligibility after going all Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em last year, I’d assume Childress would appeal any ruling.
Perhaps his tendency for childish decisions are why RCR has fallen from the top Chevy team to at best a third tier team. Why would anyone want to be associated with an owner who ran off top tier talent (Harvick) to show nepotism for his grandson, and who conducts himself like a child every time authority (NASCAR) has to reprimand him? It was oddly satisfying to see Harvick win a title, and have the best seasons of his career shortly after leaving the RCR stable.
I once respected RCR. No longer. I just wonder whether Childress has always been this way, or if his sense of entitlement has developed over the years. I hope his cars continue to be mired in mediocrity. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.