(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Like they say, "a win is a win is a win." Surely, this can apply to the rules NASCAR has.
Even when the most minor of infractions occur, a rule has been broken.
The rules in NASCAR for the most part pertain to safety for not only the drivers and crew but for the spectators as well. Rules that (are supposed to) keep the playing field level, rules that govern scoring and points, and rules that keep everyone safe.
The pit road in NASCAR is probably one of the most dangerous places to work. I was in the Navy, and the flight deck of a US aircraft carrier is at the top of the list. Pit road is not too far behind.
Case in point was back in 1990 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway during the Atlanta Journal 500. Bill Elliot had just stopped in his pit and his crew began working on his car on the right side as usual.
Ricky Rudd was coming down pit road and lost control of his car and slid into Bill's, killing his rear tire changer instantly.
This tragedy brought about the pit road speed rule. The limit varies by track but NASCAR does allow a five mph grace zone. At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the speed limit is 55. Montoya was clocked going over 60 mph not just once, but twice.
Granted it wasn't by much (60.06 and 60.11) but it was still over the limit.
If they had taken his car after the race and found that his spoiler was too high, he would be penalized for that, the team would be fined (or the crew chief), and probably docked 25 points or so.
No difference here that he finished 11th instead of first. Same thing.
So, Juan, I know you are upset. You really wanted to win that one. We understand. But fact of the matter is, you were speeding.It's happened to the best of them.
Brush it off, go to Pocono, and get your win there. Similar track, same setup, you should be fine.
Good luck.
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