NASCAR, like any other sport, has its own set of rules. But it is not irregular to see those rules bent in the name of “grey areas.” The norm of exceptions has left many pondering the difference in outcomes had NASCAR done things differently. One doesn’t have to flip through pages of past history. Let’s take the Chicago street race, for example. NASCAR had decided to cut the race short by 25 laps. It benefitted a few but proved to be discouraging for many others.

Sunday’s race at the Pocono Raceway saw one such abrupt decision made by NASCAR. While winner Denny Hamlin was the one that fans retaliated against, it was clear from all the displeasure that the fans did not approve of the controversial caution called after the white flag has been waved. But what actually happened?

Controversies; thy name is Pocono

During the very end of the race, two incidents took place. Firstly, Ryan Preece spun out, and secondly, Denny Hamlin crossed the finishing line, bagging the win. However, there was a 15-second gap between the two. Was it not enough to raise a caution flag?

Normally, NASCAR would have raised one after any such incident, but many wonder why it was not so for the Stewart-Haas Racing driver. A restart at that decisive moment could have turned the course of the race for many. Bubba Wallace for example, as Amanda Wallace, the wife of the #23 driver, wrote on a recent thread.

Amanda wrote, “Was watching the flag man and could have sworn he was gonna throw a yellow before white flag, I cannot believe that call, wanted the 23 the opportunity for another restart”

Bubba Wallace’s form was quite strong in this race. It looked like he was making good use of every restart. So, Amanda wasn’t out of place to think that he would have done way better if they had announced a restart after Preece got taken out. Moreover, many fans believe that the last stage decision to pit was not good at all for Bubba. Others believe it is time for a change in the pit crew for the 23XI racing star.

As Tyler Reddick spoke to an NBC Sports reporter during a post-race interview, it seemed that even the 3-place finisher found NASCAR’s decision to be somewhat bizarre. He said, “I don’t know what that s**t’s about…”

NASCAR could argue that there were chances that Ryan Preece would get moving again. Hence, they wanted to let the race end naturally and not call for another redundant restart. The burning question is, after all that, did the race end naturally?

The race at Pocono resulted in bitterness between two golf buddies

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With just seven laps to go, bad blood resulted from the contact that the #11 and #5 made. The move was almost identical to what Denny Hamlin did to Ross Chastain last year. During a post-race interview, Kyle Larson said that, unlike Chastain, he did not deserve the dirty treatment. He had expected Hamlin to race him with respect.

A visibly upset Larson said to the reporters, “Yeah, I am pissed, and I should be. Obviously it is awkward… on track stuff is on track stuff… he’s still a friend, races me like an a**hole, but still a friend.”

Denny Hamlin was not apologetic about the entire incident. He denied having even touched Kyle Larson. A reporter asked if he thought he had raced Larson with respect. Hamlin said when 36 cars are battling side by side for that one spot in the victory lane; it is the win that matters the most. He admitted,

“I respect him (Kyle) as a race car driver and I think he is probably the best…but damn; I mean, we are all racing for the win and I guarantee you, roles reverse, it goes the exact same way!”

The controversy has left a number of discussions abuzz in the NASCAR circuit. With drivers riled up against each other and with five races pending before the playoffs, the NASCAR community will be witness to many such moments.

Read more: Months After Fiery Bubba Wallace Altercation, Victim Kyle Larson Takes a Bold 4-Word Stance on NASCAR Fights