We can all understand that 3 grams light on one rod probably is counterproductive. However, if NASCAR has a written rule (not a grey area), the rule has to be enforced....otherwise, everyone will be soon running ultralight rods and whatever else is the hot ticket. If the rule book says "no less than 525g" then that is the limit. This is a strong message about pushing the limit in light of all of the recent press about rules violations. NASCAR engines are not simple nor cheap....it would be interesting to know the real story about how such a stupid mistake could get thru the build and testing process.

In defense of the owner and team, NASCAR uses the statement "the tight rules keep the cost down so the little guy can be competitive." This is BS....when, in the last decade, has a "little guy" been even slightly competitive? Occasionally, one of the teams that fill the back of the grid might get lucky but they have zero chance, even if the rule said that you had to use an engine from Pick-A-Part.....in fact, their engines might be near kin to a NASCAR Pick-A-Part model previously used by another team.