Parker Kligerman crew chief fires back at NASCAR at Daytona disqualification

Henderson Motorsports’ Chris Carrier, Parker Kligerman‘s crew chief, issued a lengthy statement Tuesday after NASCAR denied their appeal of their disqualification from the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona.

Kligerman, who took the checkered flag in the Truck Series season opener, was disqualified for missing height during postrace inspection. NASCAR named Corey Heim the winner after Kligerman’s disqualification. Carrier said in his statement they believe their No. 75 Silverado “was not measured correctly and was not held to the same post-race inspection procedures as the other trucks.”

A Statement from Our Crew Chief, Chris Carrier, Regarding Our Disqualification from Daytona. pic.twitter.com/WZFmKe88VI

— Henderson Motorsports (@HendersonTrucks) February 25, 2025

“In our minds, we won this race — fair and square,” Carrier said. “There were no illegal parts, and we never stepped outside the rules. No matter what, we take pride and joy in what we achieved. We believe the post-race failure resulted from a misunderstanding between two NASCAR inspectors and our team, which led to our road crew to follow incorrect instructions on the height sticks process. There was no malicious intent; however, we firmly believe our truck was not measured correctly and was not held to the same post-race inspection procedures as the other trucks.

“Due to this miscommunication, our front end measured an inch higher than necessary to clear heights, which in turn lowered our rear end below its minimum clearance — resulting in the disqualification. Had our truck been inspected the same way as everyone else’s, it would have passed.”

Parker Kligerman’s crew chief claims NASCAR messed up postrace inspection

Before failing postrace inspection, Kligerman called it the “biggest win of my life.” The 34-year-old, who has shifted to a part-time schedule in 2025, would have had his first NASCAR victory since July 2022 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Kligerman thought they had a “very, very valid case.” NASCAR felt differently, and Carrier thinks the sanctioning body missed the mark.

“We believe NASCAR missed an opportunity to build confidence with its teams and fans by not overturning this ruling,” Carrier said, “especially given the clear miscommunication and inconsistent post-race inspection practices around the track.”