AVONDALE, Ariz. — Ty Majeski, a contender for the NASCAR Truck Series championship, has been hit with a hefty fine of $12,500 by NASCAR for failing to fulfill his media obligations in order to cast his vote in Wisconsin on Election Day.

Majeski is among the final four drivers vying for the truck title at Phoenix Raceway, scheduled for Friday night.

After discussions with his team owners at Thorsport Racing, it was agreed that he would prioritize his right to vote by going to the polls on Tuesday.

Expressing his sentiments, Majeski stated, “I felt like I needed to do my duty as a U.S. citizen to vote. My team owners and I, we all made the decision to exercise that right.”

He has labeled the fine as “unprecedented” and has indicated his intention to appeal the ruling.

Majeski mentioned that he only realized he would be competing for the championship after his performance at Martinsville, where he secured an 11th-place finish that allowed him to advance based on points.

At the age of 30, Majeski will be competing against fellow racers Corey Heim, Christian Eckes, and Grant Emfinger in hopes of clinching his first title in the Truck Series.

“This has never happened before. Everyone knew it was Election Day for a long time,” he remarked. “It’s unfortunate circumstances for everybody.”

He also noted his history of voting on Election Day and never opting for absentee ballots.

“I wanted to make sure my vote was counted,” he added, reinforcing his commitment to participating in the democratic process.