If they didn't change the engine and something was damaged, that could have cost Stewart the championship. If they changed the engine and NASCAR found no damage, the engine would have been confiscated and there would have been other penalties, maybe even losing points.
Part of the magic of NASCAR and NASCAR racing is the accessibility.
There is a conflict, to be honest about it. It's a fine line, and everybody has an opinion. People call Nascar the 'moral police' or 'the fun police,' but we have to do what we think is right and move on.
It was very disappointing to NASCAR and the entire industry that drivers did not show up for various awards. It shows a lack of respect for the history and tradition of the sport.
Back then, they (Congress) were targeting NASCAR as a waste of fuel,
Support for the Elite Divisions has been on the downswing for a number of years. This change will allow NASCAR to focus more attention on the Grand National and Modified touring divisions.