Kevin Harvick “mad and distraught” over Roval Xfinity overtime drama

Parker Kligerman was on course for victory until an untimely caution ruined his chances, which infuriated Kevin Harvick.

Kevin Harvick “mad and distraught” over Roval Xfinity overtime drama

Kevin Harvick and Parker Kligerman, images via IMAGO and Getty Images

Kevin Harvick has been vocal about the issues with NASCAR, and this time it’s no different. At the Xfinity race in Roval last weekend, Parker Kligerman was snatched away from a certain win and a promotion to the Round of 8, after a late caution call. This left the former Cup Series champion infuriated by how the issue was dealt with by the stewards.

The race at Roval was bound to have some twists as the track was recently repaved and a hoard of corners were altered to make the racing more entertaining. This unfortunately caught out Leland Honeyman, who slid off the track and ran into a tire barrier. On the other hand, Parker Kligerman was leading the race and hoped for the race officials to not issue the caution before he takes the white flag.

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However, his dreams of making through to the next round of playoffs were shattered as two-car lengths before taking the white flag, a caution was called out. This left fans and former drivers including Kevin Harvick mad at how the issue was dealt with and a stellar race on the 34-year-old’s behalf went down the drain in an instant.

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I was distraught. I didn’t even know what — I was mad. Look, the car was parked under the barrier. They could’ve thrown the caution 20 seconds earlier. The fact that they said, NASCAR said that they have a tough time seeing that area from up top in Race Control just blew me away… because this was an absolute heartbreaker for Kligerman, to be that close to winning the race and see when they threw the caution. I mean, the light came on like, two car-lengths before the start-finish-line, but it should’ve came out way, way, way, way before that.

Kevin Harvick said on Harvick’s Happy Hour

With Kligerman being dealt with a huge blow a few miles from victory, he eventually finished sixth on road. This made him a distant 24 points away from the playoff bubble, ending his run for the championship earlier than expected.

Parker Kligerman shared his emotions after losing the chance to proceed in the playoffs

On the other hand, witnessing his maiden Xfinity win being taken away in the front of his eyes would have been a lot for Kligerman. The No.48 driver and his pitcrew were thinking that he had won and made a miraculous drive around Roval, but race officials had other plans, which made him face the wrath of unfairness in the racing world.

Parker Kligerman
Parker Kligerman

Subsequently, the 34-year-old revealed that he wanted to cry his eyes out during the cooldown lap but held his composure for the post-race interviews.

This hurts. I said on the cooldown lap I want to cry, but I won’t, and it’s gotten close a couple times as I think about it.

Parker Kligerman said to NASCAR

With multiple drivers losing out on making to the Round of 8, the next three races might pack another punch for some heavy weights on the Xfinity grid. Thus, uncertainty regarding who will become the 2024 champion dawns the Xfinity field.