Former NASCAR Canada champion Treyten Lapcevich successfully defended against a late-race charge from Corey Heim to secure his first series victory late Saturday night at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway.
However, on Tuesday, CARS Tour officials announced that Lapcevich’s No. 77 Chad Bryant Racing vehicle was disqualified due to the use of an unapproved part during the race.
According to the series officials, the team “acknowledged misinterpreting the rule as written,” which resulted in Heim being declared the winner and eligible for the first-place prize money.
At just 20 years old, Lapcevich won seven out of 14 races on his way to becoming the 2023 NASCAR Canada champion. He joined Chad Bryant Racing for a full-time stint in the CARS Tour this season to familiarize himself with U.S. racing standards.
Prior to his impressive win on Saturday night, Lapcevich had managed to finish in the top 10 of eight out of the first 10 races but hadn’t yet led any laps.
This victory in the late model race further cements Corey Heim’s already successful racing season.
The 22-year-old from Marietta, Ga., is leading the Truck Series with five wins and has also participated in nine Xfinity Series races and three Cup Series events this season, making his most recent appearance with 23XI Racing at Nashville Superspeedway.
On Saturday night, Heim also competed in both CARS Tour races at North Wilkesboro, finishing second in the earlier pro late model contest.
