Bob Gardner has been suspended from competing at MARS Late Model events and all DIRTcar-affiliated events, like the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series, for a minimum of six months following July 18’s on-track incident with Daryn Klein at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway, the MARS tour announced Monday.

Dirt Late Model racing’s indoor spectacle affectionately known as The Dome technically wasn't love at first sight for Bob Gardner, but that might as well be the narrative. Right as this week’s Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals was brought up during a conversation at last weekend’s Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Indianapolis, the 46-year-old’s eyes bulged with excitement.