NASCAR Admits Fault for Daytona Crash, Hendrick Picks Up New Sponsor

Shortly after today's Daytona 500, NASCAR issued a statement accepting partial blame for two pit road incidents, and the big crash that took place on lap 125.

"In an effort to save teams money, we cut out all test sessions at NASCAR sanctioned tracks. This may have come back to haunt us," said NASCAR president Mike Helton.

"Dale Earnhardt Jr. twice pitted outside the lines of his pit box, and then, on lap 125 drove below the yellow line on the track." "Upon returning from outside the line, Jr. initiated what we call 'the big one.'"

In keeping with their cost-saving measures, NASCAR will not allow testing, but have come up with a solution to the problem.

"On Monday, each team will be given coloring books for each of their drivers and crew members," said Helton.

"We feel by going back to the basics—coloring inside the lines—we can offer valuable training to our drivers while still maintaining cost-cutting measures.

Rick Hendrick has applauded NASCAR's efforts of reaching out to the teams to avoid a crisis situation.

"To show our appreciation of NASCAR's efforts, we have signed a one-race deal with Crayola Crayons to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. at California next week," said Hendrick.

Each team will be issued identical coloring books, so that no one team may cheat or have an unfair advantage.

Crayons will have to be purchased from an approved NASCAR supplier.  

NASCAR will require that all coloring books be returned to inspectors before the first practice session of next week's race.

Stewart-Haas Racing has already asked for an extension, citing that none of their drivers have children, so it may take longer to finish the project.