NASCAR Statement on That Pesky Yellow Line Thing

This is the text from a handout everyone gets at the drivers meetings at Daytona and Talladega:

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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