Dale Earnhardt Jr. objected to NASCAR penalising Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski for a blend line infraction during last weekend’s Brickyard 400. During the most recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download, the NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee slammed NASCAR for the decision to penalise the two past champions, saying he completely disagreed with the judgement for a variety of reasons. “There were a couple of things that, if I wanted to criticise NASCAR, there were a couple of penalties, and I think Brad and Chase Elliott received these penalties,” Earnhardt, Jr. said. “So, when you depart pit road, you’re in the run-off lane. It’s a little strip of asphalt that separates the race course. However, just between Turns 1 and 2, it’s.
“I know NASCAR provided them with content and explanations about what they anticipate drivers and teams to do in this area before to the event. It basically says what we all knew: ‘You can swing out, come off line and go out there a little bit near to the race track.’ There were no defined lines or barriers to crossing. I’ve seen a lot of cars travel where they went.” Earnhardt Jr. clearly had a problem with NASCAR suddenly tightening down on cars making this move, which has never been a big thing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “This is something I had a minor issue with.
“Now, to pop a couple drivers in the middle of the race, when others are undoubtedly doing and are doing the same thing, it just felt loosey-goosey. It’s not a good look. It’s frustrating to know you’re getting black-flagged. There’s no way you’re going to talk yourself out of this. NASCAR rarely admits wrong or makes a mistake, but you witnessed or know that you are not alone in this. You are aware that this has been a common practice in this area. So it has been a few years since we raced the over. There may have been some turnover in the booth. Different ideas regarding how things proceed, or should go on.
“This isn’t consistent. It’s over and done. I mean, Brad was still in contention to win this race, despite some horrible fuel strategy. The No. 9 rebounded. This was simply not a good decision or call, in my opinion, because it was not clearly established beforehand.” Unfortunately, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chase Elliott, and Brad Keselowski were understandably frustrated. Thankfully, both wheelmen recovered well, but being penalised surely ruined their afternoon.
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