Series points leader #17-Matt Kenseth was involved in an accident on Lap 161 that collected six cars in Turn 1, but Kenseth’s problems grew worse when he was assessed a one-lap penalty for passing cars under caution. Kenseth had to pit while pit road was closed immediately following his incident, and was sent to the end of the longest line. While the rest of the lead-lap cars went to pit road, it appeared Kenseth would take over the lead if he stayed out. But while he passed the cars that had pitted, NASCAR assessed the penalty. Kenseth’s crew chief, Robbie Reiser, became involved in a heated confrontation with several NASCAR officials after the incident. “It seems these days you need a rule book for every race track we go to, but I don’t know what the rule was and I don’t really know what happened,” Reiser said. “The penalty for pulling up to pit – we didn’t pit. So, whatever you want to tell us, I’m sure I’ll understand it after they get done with me.” NASCAR’s Jim Hunter said since Kenseth was assessed a penalty, he was never the race leader during the caution. “The fact is he passed some cars, and you cannot pass people under caution,” Hunter said. Kenseth’s damage ended up being more extensive and he required several pit stops later in the race and finished 31st.(ThatsRacin.com and more at Speed Channel)(3-22-2004)
