As a result of a rule infraction perpetrated on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas and the subsequent mid-week withdrawal of the event by PSCA Racin’ 4 Jason Nationals Pro Street winner Rod Burbage, PSCA officials have made the unprecedented decision to overturn Sunday’s results and award the race victory to runner-up Mike Maggio.
Following a thorough investigation following the event by PSCA’s Mel Roth, Dave Murray, and Scott Schwinning that involved conversations with several eyewitnesses and the viewing of footage captured by several nearby cameras, Burbage opted to withdraw from the event and relinquish his win in the Hughes Performance Pro Street category.
“We are withdrawing our win from the PSCA race on April 15 16, and 17, 2011, due to the possible intent to add a 3lb ballast to the car. Because having such an item, which is against PSCA Rules and Policies, we feel this withdraw is best. Our apologies to all parties involved.”
The adjusted ruling thus gives Maggio, who virtually dominated all weekend but came up short in the final, his first win in the Pro Street division.
Said Maggio after learning of the decision, “My team and I knew something illegal went on with the Burbage crew at the conclusion of the pass. We all saw something but at that time couldn’t prove any wrong doing. This first PSCA win for Maggio Motorsports is bittersweet as we couldn’t celebrate our victory amongst our peers at the race track, but we appreciate the effort put forth by Mel, Dave, and Scott to prove that we won and did it by the rules.”
According to PSCA scale operator George Klass, both Burbage’s and Maggio’s machines crossed the scales after the final round and each met the minimum weight. At that point, an argument broke out between the crews of the two cars as Maggio’s team voiced that they had seen an exchange between Burbage and a crew member take place further down the return road, out of the sight of race officials.
A short time later, Burbage’s car was towed back to the scales and re-weighed, again receiving a thumbs-up from Klass. The car was then thoroughly inspected and scaled again.
Those claims by Maggio were cemented this week when officials reviewed video footage captured from several roof-mounted cameras on other cars in the area, showing Burbage remove something from his car and attempt to place it in the bushes.
When questioned on the possible infraction, Burbage maintained his innocence throughout the entire ordeal following the race, and it wasn’t until the tapes were reviewed that the guilty verdict was handed down on Burbage.
In response to the situation, the PSCA plans to position an official at the track turnoff at each of its future events to insure that all racers adhere to the rules and regulations.
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