Victor Barrales Jr. loses his place in the Challenge Series final due to technical disqualification

Víctor Barrales Jr. lost his spot in the NASCAR Challenge Series final after NASCAR México disqualified his #39 ANVI MOTORSPORT car for technical infractions in Aguascalientes. Santos Zanella Jr. will take the 24-year-old driver's place in the definitive race on November 9th in Puebla. The disqualification came nine days after the October 19th race, an unusually long time for this type of decision. NASCAR México did not specify which exact component caused the infraction in its official statement.

$100,000 Peso Fine for ANVI MOTORSPORT

Barrales Jr.'s team must pay a fine of $100,000 Mexican pesos and both the team chief and the technical director were suspended for three events. ANVI MOTORSPORT can appeal the decision.

The six-figure fine indicates a serious infraction. This year, NASCAR México has applied $100,000 peso sanctions only for infractions categorized as "VERY SERIOUS" level 3, such as the case of the #76 car in Querétaro that used a fire extinguisher with falsified labels. Minor infractions, such as components with incorrect weight, have received fines of $10,000-$30,000 pesos.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

Why Did It Take So Long?

Quiroga was penalized on Saturday after qualifying for using an unauthorized "Ultra Brake cool fan". He lost the pole, paid $15,000 pesos, started last, and won the race. Barrales Jr. waited nine days. Technical inspections normally take a maximum of 48 hours. NASCAR México did not explain why it took so long for a decision that changes the finalists.

The Four Challenge Series Finalists

The four Challenge Series finalists have been defined: Diego Ortiz, Helio Meza, Giancarlo Vecchi, and now Santos Zanella Jr., who enters due to Barrales Jr.'s disqualification. Ortiz had won the category in Aguascalientes by finishing eighth overall. The Puebla final will have a championship format; only these four drivers can win the 2025 title.