Good For The Fans, Bad For The Sport
NASCAR only had a split second to make the decision and no matter what they did some fans were bound to be upset. That instant of hesitation gave the fans a great race back to the checkered flag but it tarnished the integrity of the sport.
I do not believe that NASCAR was trying to influence the outcome of the race. Depending on exactly when the yellow was displayed either driver could have been declared the winner and NASCAR would have had a great race and a deserving Daytona 500 champion. The specific name on the trophy is not important to NASCAR.
What is important is that NASCAR treat the 2007 Daytona 500 just like they treated the 2006 Daytona 500 and every other recent race where there was a wreck on the last lap. In those cases NASCAR threw the yellow when warranted and then went back to the scoring loops and videotape to determine the final finishing order.
Integrity Is Not a One-Way Street
NASCAR spent all week dealing with cheaters and handing down stiff penalties. They said that they were protecting the integrity of the sport and I applaud that. However, NASCAR's inconsistent use of the yellow flag is just as damaging to the integrity of the sport.
Somebody blew the call. This is understandable in the heat of the moment. However, I can not remember a single time where NASCAR admitted that they messed up.
I wish NASCAR would admit that they occasionally make mistakes and are striving to do better. Instead they are covering it up with Monday morning wordsmithing.
