Expert: Chris - 2/23/2009

Question
can a racer hit a car and NOT get disqualified?

Answer
It depends on what your definition of HIT is. If you mean when two cars are racing side by side and one accidentally slips up and hits the other car, then no, there is no penalty. However, rough driving for example, intentionally wrecking another car may lead to disqualification. It usually depends on the situation. Not too often are drivers penalized for rough driving. A prime example was at Dover in 2007 when Kurt Busch ran Tony Stewart up the hill wrecking both of them. The initial wreck was in no way, shape, or form a lead to disqualification. However when both cars pitted, Tony Stewart pulled his car in his pit stall and a pit crew member was on the passenger side of the car when Kurt Busch intentionally sideswiped Tony's car, forcing Tony's crew member to jump on top of Tony's car to avoid being hit. That was an automatic disqualification for not only rough driving, but intentionally trying to harm a person.