Volusia Speedway Park officials have issued a suspension and fine to 3/4 Modified competitors John Dalton Hopke and Tim Hogan for failing a tire test after competing at Volusia Speedway Park’s event on March 3, 2025.
A tire sample was taken after completion of the Feature at the event and sent to an independent laboratory for testing of chemically altering substances in the tires in a comparative analysis.
The test revealed the tire did not match or conform to the benchmarks provided by Hoosier Tire Company. Additional analysis verified the primary laboratory findings.
Due to the violation, Hopke and Hogan have been disqualified from the March event and suspended from the next event at Volusia Speedway Park. Hopke was fined $1,500 in total – $500 fine, $200 tire analysis fee, and a loss of $800 in prize money. Hogan was fined $900 in total – $500 fine, $200 tire analysis, and a loss of $200 in prize money.
The penalties were appealed by Hopke and Hogan and upheld by the World Racing Group Appeal Commission after hearings on Thursday, May 15.
The Volusia Speedway Park 3/4 Modified rulebook reads as follows regarding altering tires in any way.
Section 7 – Steering Components, Wheels, and Tires
B. Tires are not to be chemically treated in any way and must pass a punch test/ lab test when sampled.
Chapter 3
D. Tire Protests
a. Tire protests may involve any tire. The fee will be $500 ($50) per tire. The protest will require the
confiscation of the tire(s) protested. The tire(s) involved in the protest will be shipped by World
Racing Group to the authorized laboratory for benchmark testing. The determination of the facility will
be final and non-appealable. ONLY DIRTcar Members are allowed to make any protests for tires.