Hettinger has come out to take full responsibility for her dramatic behavior during the CARS Tour race at Tri-County Speedway
During the CARS Tour, tensions flared between championship rivals Katie Hettinger and Caden Kvapil. With only 18 laps remaining, Kvapil lost control, leading to a collision that caused Hettinger to spin out and impact several other cars.
In a subsequent restart, Hettinger retaliated, which led to her pulling into the pit lane where her father gave her the business for her behavior. The race also witnessed a last-lap clash between Gaven Boschele and Ashton Higgins, resulting in a pit lane altercation involving multiple crew members.
Reacting to the incidents, CARS Tour Executive Director, Kip Childress, expressed his disappointment and emphasized that safety is a top priority.
“We are extremely disappointed in the actions of a few of our competitors at Tri-County Speedway,” said Childress. He warned that future violations would result in even harsher penalties.
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Following the race, several penalties were issued: Katie Hettinger received a one-race suspension for her retaliation against Kvapil; Ashton Higgins was put on probation and fined $500 for confronting another racer; Gavan Boschele was also put on probation for rough driving.
Additionally, Shad Higgins, Shane Higgins, Coleman Higgins, Pierson Hensley, and Steve Deskins all received one-race suspensions, and with the exception of Deskins were each fined $500.
In response to her penalty, Katie Hettinger publicly accepted responsibility and expressed her desire to grow as a racer. She thanked her supporters and the CARS Tour in her statement.
“I accept the CARS Tour penalty and take full responsibility for my actions,” stated Hettinger. “I look forward to continuing to grow as a race car driver and I have learned a lot from all this. I appreciate all my partners, fans and the CARS Tour.”
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