The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series announced it suspended and fined driver Karter Sarff after he and his team failed a tire test following the October 17 race at Belle Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway.

The Series stated, “Tire samples were taken after the Saturday night Feature from the right rear tire used in competition on Sarff’s No. 21K car, owned and operated by Karter Sarff Motorsports, and sent to an independent laboratory for testing of chemically altering substances in the tire in a comparative analysis. The test revealed the tire sample from Sarff’s car did not match or conform to the benchmarks provided by Hoosier Tire Company. Additional analysis verified the primary laboratory findings.”

This violates the Series’ rules, which state, “The altering of any tire compound, by any means will not be permitted. Chemical alteration of the tread carcass and/or tread compound, such as tire “soaking” and or the introduction of tread “softener” and/or the physical defacement (removal, altering and/or covering) of tire sidewall markings in any manner will not be permitted. If any competitor is found to have altered their tires any penalty deemed appropriate by World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Officials may be issued.”

Sarff originally crossed the line in third during the series debut at the race track, but given the failed tire test he has been disqualified from the event. Additionally, Sarff and his team have been suspended four races and fined a total of $7,200. The fine includes the loss of $5,000 in purse money, the $200 tire analysis fee, and a $2,000 fine. Furthermore, the team was docked 500 owner and driver points.

Sarff reacted to the suspension and fine in a post to Facebook. He wrote, “I am currently in tears typing this post. I received a call this morning from Cody Cordell that our tire from Belle-Clair did not conform to the benchmark.”

“I know people will think what they want to think. The tire on the car came with the car when we bought it this year. We should have known better not to run it but it just didn’t cross our minds,” he explained. “I am incredibly sorry to everyone who this may affect. I am sick to my stomach. The Outlaws will release it later today. Thank you to everyone who supports me.”

Sarff concluded, “This one is weighing pretty heavy on the heart and is gonna stick with me for a while…”

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