OWEGO, NY (October 24, 2026) – Race of Champions officials have announced disciplinary action following incidents during Saturday’s Race of Champions FOAR SCORE Four Cylinder Dash Series feature at Shangri-La II Speedway in Owego, New York.
Gene Purvis of Elmira, New York, has been parked in accordance with Section B (Membership), Subsection b2, and Section C (Parking) of the Race of Champions Series Rule Book.
Under the rule book, parking is a directive issued by a supervisory official requiring a competitor to cease competition. It may include restrictions on participation in the current event, subsequent events or future events, or a directive to leave the premises. Parking is reserved for extraordinary circumstances involving the orderly conduct of Race of Champions-sanctioned events.
As defined in the rule book, parking is separate from disqualification, suspension or other penalties under Section K and is not appealable under Section L.
In addition, Purvis has been penalized under Section K, Subsection G, which addresses unnecessary rough driving, contact with another competitor and failure to comply with official directives involving on-track rulings, scoring or other matters.
Effective immediately, Gene Purvis has been indefinitely suspended from Race of Champions competition. Additional penalties may be assessed following further review of the incident.
As a result of the incidents that occurred Saturday, October 24, Race of Champions officials have also determined that Sunday’s October 25, 2026, FOAR SCORE Four Cylinder Dash Series race will be conducted as a non-points event.
“We fully expect this situation to be discussed on social media,” stated Joe Skotnicki of Race of Champions. “What may not be discussed is the severity of the incident and how seriously we take our responsibility to administer and officiate these events. We understand that our decisions are subject to criticism. Sometimes that criticism is warranted, and sometimes it is not. Our responsibility is to provide competitors with a place to race while maintaining the orderly and fair administration of those events. Disciplinary decisions are not taken lightly. Rarely do we address these matters publicly in this manner, but the circumstances surrounding this incident require us to do so. We have consistently made it clear that competitors should not put us in a position where we are forced to react to their actions. When those situations occur, we have a responsibility to respond. We hope all competitors understand the seriousness of this matter and recognize that our decisions are made in the interest of the sport, its participants and the integrity of Race of Champions competition.”