The verbatim language is ...
This is your warning: race above the yellow line. If, in NASCAR's judgment, you go below the yellow line to improve your position, you will be black-flagged. If in NASCAR's judgment you force someone below the yellow line (in an effort to stop him from passing you), you may be black-flagged.
It is also of NASCAR's opinion that Smith was not forced below the yellow line... crickets...Helton also clarified that from this moment forward, below the yellow line and improving one's position is taboo. Hear that gang? This years ruling says that's a no-no.
Here's a recap of the last half lap, sans the wreck that happened just before the controversy that 's going to haunt NASCAR for a few days.
Final Laps: Stewart awarded win
With that in mind, it would appear that NASCAR has indeed turned a blind eye towards Tony Stewart's move that really appears to me to force Smith below the line.Shouldn't that move him to the back of the lead lap also? Sigh. Old school still runs the game, and it's their game, so as it is, Tony Stewart finally gets the win gang.
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My understanding is that there was confusion throughout the garage on weather a pass below the yellow line was legal on the final lap. It is also my understanding that this confusion was based on a ruling that allowed Johnny Benson to improve from third to second at the finish of the February 2007 Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona, as well as statements made by NASCAR spokespersons in the aftermath of that Daytona Truck race.
ReplyDeleteI understand that NASCAR is going to have to make judgement calls in each situation. My biggest problem with this call is...
1) it was made too quickly. They should have taken more time to see how similar situations had been handled in the past.
2) Even if it was still determined that Tony Stewart had won the race the worst Regan Smith should have finished was 2nd since clearly Smith was acting based on the past actions of NASCAR.
I hate to say it but it looks like NASCAR just wanted Tony to win. It is better for the sport when it's top drivers are winning races.
All good points Jimmy that I tend to agree with.
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