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Penalty Report Issued in Response to MARS Late Model Championship On-Track Incident at Farmer City Raceway

Penalty Report Issued in Response to MARS Late Model Championship On-Track Incident at Farmer City Raceway

FAIRBURY, IL (July 21, 2025) – Following a three-night swing, including two completed events and one postponement, the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends has formally reviewed the incident that transpired on Friday, July 18 at Farmer City Raceway during MARS competition.

The on-track incident occurred during the first heat race of the evening between Daryn Klein and Bob Gardner. As drivers entered turns three and four, on the opening lap of the event, contact was made between the two, as they were battling for the lead. At this point, Klein continued with the race, Dylan Thornton was collected in the incident, and Thornton pulled into the infield due to the damage sustained in contact during the incident. At this point the race continued green as Bob Gardner had also pulled into the infield, off the speedway, and behind the flag stand. Gardner then pulls back onto the speedway and accelerates towards the field counterclockwise as the race is still under green flag conditions. The caution was thrown just before the field was beginning to enter turn number three. The field then passes by the stopped car of Bob Gardner, under yellow, and Gardner drives through the infield to pull alongside Daryn Klein on the backstretch of the speedway. Gardner then drives beside Klein through turns three and four to show his displeasure over the incident and makes slight contact with Klein’s car in turn four. After the contact, Gardner then slows to let Klein roll past him, and chooses to turn into the drivers-side of Daryn Klein, which leads to him rolling over on the speedway.

Bob Gardner has been a loyal supporter of the MARS Late Model Championship tour and has attended every event that has been held since MC Promotions took ownership over the series in 2023, with the exception of one show. Gardner placed fourth in series standings in both 2023 and 2024 and was currently 11th in 2025 series standings heading into Farmer City.

As a result of the severity of the on-track incident, the following penalties have been imposed on Bob Gardner:

• Indefinite suspension for a minimum of 6 months from all MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends events before possibly reinstating.

• Indefinite suspension for a minimum of 6 months from all World of Outlaws Late Model events before possibly reinstating.

• Indefinite suspension for a minimum of 6 months from all DIRTcar/World Racing Group sanctioned events before possibly reinstating.

This penalty report is being made public due to the severity of the on-track incident, to provide clarity and transparency of the incident, and to show we do not condone this type of behavior at our events.

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