Ashton Winger appeared to have won the FALS Frenzy at Fairbury, the final race in the MARS Championship. However, the MARS Late Model Championship has disqualified him and penalized him after he failed a tire test.

In a penalty report, the series stated, “A tire sample was taken at the conclusion of the feature event and sent into an independent laboratory for testing of chemically altering substances, just as the tour does nightly as a routine procedure. The test revealed that the tire did not meet the benchmarks provided by Hoosier Racing Tire. Following these results, additional testing was done on sample ‘B’ that was taken on the same night, from the same tire in question, and the chemical analysis confirmed the same findings as sample ‘A’ did.”

The series specifically cited that Winger violated the DIRTcar technical rulebook that reads, “F. Chemical alterations, vulcanizing, tire softening, defacing, and/or altering the face of the tire lettering and/or tire stamping will not be permitted. Chemicals or tire softening is not permitted at any time.”

It also noted he violated the MARS rulebook as well, ““T. Any member that attempts and/or is found to be using tires that are found to be illegal in any manner will be subject to disqualification and/or fine and/or suspension and/or loss of points and/or any other action deemed appropriate by officials.”

Given the failed tire test, the series fined Winger $12,000, which is what he earned from initially winning the race. It also added in $50 in contingency money, $200 for the tire analysis fee, and $125 for the overnight shipment of sample “B” to the lab. He also forfeited all points from the night and will be suspended for the first five events of the 2026. Additionally, he’s been put on probation for the entire 2026 season.

At the time of writing, Winger has not addressed the disqualification and failed tire test. He is expected to compete at Whynot this weekend for the 31st Annual Fall Classic.

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