Treyten Lapcevich has made a major career move after the Martinsville fallout last week. After NASCAR suspended team owner Chad Bryant and other members of the team, the driver has now decided to cut ties with the team for the rest of the season.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
“This weekend at Newport Speedway will be my final race with Chad Bryant Racing and the No. 77 Late Model Stock,” Lapcevich shared an update via X. This decision comes after an ugly brawl that saw Corey Heim being jumped by Chad Bryant and the crew members from his team. Contact between Heim and Lapcevich on the cool-down lap seemed to set off this tussle on the pit road, and NASCAR was under pressure to make a decision.
Denny Hamlin in particular was very vocal about his stance in demanding a penalty. “Those f***** cowards waited on Corey Heim to leave his car and leave his team and then jump him when he was on his way to his hauler. I don’t know who is in charge of NASCAR Regional, but there is absolutely no way that any of those guys should be in a pit lane for the next year at least.”
Even Dale Jr., who holds Chad Bryant in high regard, thanks to his connection with CARS Tour, agreed that the team owner crossed the line. “Corey Heim is by the hot dog stand, and Chad Bryant and his guys jump him. Chad Bryant and his guys jumped Corey Heim. It’s all right there on the internet. That was over the line, way over the line.”
NASCAR made it clear that they did not want crew members hitting the drivers. Lapcevich had put out a statement in the aftermath of the brawl. “What happened with Corey after the race was wrong and it should not have happened. While I was not involved in the incident, I want to be clear that I do not condone any actions that took place.”
He distanced himself from the controversial incident and has now doubled down on this move. The No. 77 car will be on track at Newport as Lapcevich is still in contention to win the Late Model Driver Championship. However, this time around he will be driving a car supported by Rette Jones Racing camp and his family.
Despite the sudden distance between the two parties, Lapcevich thanked Chad Bryant for supporting his racing career. “I want to thank Chad for making me part of his family. Over the last 2 years we’ve become really close, and Chad has always gone out of his way to make me a better racer. Lots of 4am nights, a CARS Tour win at North Wilkesboro, a South Carolina 400 victory, and many great finishes – Chad has pushed me to be better every step of the way.”
The North Wilkesboro win from 2024 stands out, as it was the first win for Lapcevich in the Late Model Stock Car division. He finished the 2024 season 6th, but he’s become a real contender this season, driving the No. 77 car. Four top-10s and four top-5 finishes so far this season, and he is trailing Caden Kvapil by 22 points for the championship.
There’s uncertainty regarding Lapcevich’s rest of the season. “For now, my focus is on Newport and doing everything we can to put together a strong weekend. Updates to come regarding the remainder of my 2026 Late Model Stock season. I want to thank Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship for their continued support,” Lapcevich concluded.
Lapcevich could shift his base from Chevy to a Toyota team for the Late Model division. He currently raced with Rette Jones Racing No. 30 Toyota in the Pro Late Model division, so that looks like a possible move for the driver for the rest of the year and perhaps even 2027.