Why is it a rule that you can't pass the pace car under caution?

Question

Dale Jr. shouldn't of won today because that is a rule. Had it been any else they surely would have sent him back to the tail end of the longest line. Now this isn't the first time NASCAR has shown special treatment to Jr. in the Talladega race he passed using the yellow line by going under it. I've seen penalties for things like that in the past. Does any one else aree with me here? I understand Jr. fans are one of the most popular fans, but come on people. NASCAR needs to enforce rules no matter who the prosecutar is!

Answer 1

It doesn't matter.  He didn't win by passing the pace car and did not perpetrate any illegal moves (as opposed to prosecute!).     A driver would obviously be penalized and sent to the back were they to gain position, but Jr. did not gain anything by briefly passing the pace car.  It was simply strategy to to conserve fuel and he dropped back immediately upon being warned by the Official.    I seriously doubt there is any big NASCAR conspiracy to help Jr. get out of his slump.  It's not like they have a problem putting asses in the seats at any race

Answer 2

He won fair and square NASCAR warned him not to do it and he didn't

HE also turned off the engine to cost so it wasn't intentional

Answer 3

I'm neutral on Jr,

I like him, but not a hard core fan....

I've seen a lot of drivers pass the pace car, in the past,

Na$car usually says nothing once or twice then warns the driver,

There is real reason to just black flag a driver, for passing the pace car, on a yellow,

he is not racing the pace car, so there is no competitive advantage,

He is NOT passing a car that is in the race !

I've even seen a few race cars "bump draft" the pace car, like they are playing with them? (maybe they're bored?)

What's up with all the hate and Jr bashing?

He drove a good race, and put himself in position to win,

EVERY driver has done that, at some time, in past races !

edit 1

Matt was penalized because he went in the pits, before they were open,

Jr did NOT pass and STAY in front of the pace car,

BIG difference

Answer 4

i think you meant "no matter who the offender is" - the prosecutor is the one ...  

oh, never mind, look it up.

he was warned, just as anyone else would have been, and he stopped.  

case closed.

Answer 5

It was a pretty crazy race you know?

Caution for a Budweiser can?

Threatening to black flag Vickers?

There are plenty more but I would be bashed to no end. Just thought NASCAR was involved in some things. Especially the Brian Vickers thing, that one was obvious

Answer 6

No Harm - No Foul ...... In listening to Nascar Channel on Sirius after the race...John Darby - What's the rule on passing the pace car? stated the "pass the pace car rule" is in place for a reason.... to prevent a drivers intent to gain a lap.  Went on to state it was obvious Jr was in a fuel conservation mode and there was no intent to gain.  you can listen at http://www.sirius.com/nascar ... scroll down to bottom of page "Heard it on Sirius"

Answer 7

You show me where NASCAR ever enforced that rule and then we'll talk

Answer 8

I am fairly certain that  2-3 years ago Robby Gordon was sent to the tail end of the longest line for passing the pace car under caution.

Just found a link where Kenseth was penalized a lap for passing the pacecar.

Junior should have been penalized the same. NASCAR should stop playing favorites.

Answer 9

The reason Kennseth was penalized in that race cause he passed the pace car to get to pit lane.  I am a junior fan and I admit this wasnt his strongest race but strategy plays a role in this sport if the strongest car always won Dale wouldve won Richmond also.