In The Pits: Yellow line is always out of bounds

The speech hasn't changed in the seven years since NASCAR first delivered it during a 2001 driver's meeting at Daytona. "This is your warning," race director David Hoots begins. "Do not go below the yellow line. If in NASCAR's judgment you go below the yellow line to improve your position, you will be black-flagged." So why the surprise that Regan Smith was penalized Sunday for dipping below the out-of-bounds line to pass Tony Stewart on the last lap at Talladega Superspeedway? The debate over the frantic finish raged on Monday, with claims that the rookie driver was robbed of his first career victory because NASCAR used its judgment to give a two-time series champion a coveted Talladega victory. NASCAR defended its ruling late in the day, then cleared up any confusion about what's allowed on the final lap of a... [read full story]