Marcos Ambrose: An Immediate Reaction

Colossal because it denies the overly-likable Marcos Ambrose his first series win and historic because it cements Jimmie Johnson’s claim to a fifth straight championship. It’s inevitable when you have a horseshoe attached to the spoiler and the backing of NASCAR’s competition committee.

Facing a massive PR hit as a result of Johnson’s dominance, NASCAR may have just multiplied her problems tenfold. Ambrose and JTG was just plain robbed.

“But the rules say...,” some may have began to refute. Spare Ranting and Raving the space. As if NASCAR itself really values it’s own rulebook anyhow. This is the same organization that writes it rules in pencil and rewrites as races conclude.

The final caution decision was a judgment call and NASCAR clearly made a bad one. The 47 had the late races’ most dominant car and the pacing issue team 47 suffered from was minor. In just seconds, Ambrose was back to race pace.

NASCAR is likely moments away from a large-scale PR onslaught and it would be in the sport’s best interest if JTG lead the charge.

Armando Gallaraga was praised for his grace and humility after his ‘failed’ bid for perfection but history may easily paint him as a wuss and a walking mat.

Much in the same vein that Joey Logano was praised for his confrontation with Kevin Harvick, JTG and Ambrose must stand up for themselves or immediately be doomed to future persecution from NASCAR’s iron fist.

Should NASCAR prove to be more consistent in upholding their rulebook, this writer will stand down. But as long as the status quo and France Empire remain in charge, the sanctioning body will continue to blow these decisions.

So congratulations to Marcos Ambrose on his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. It’s just a shame that history won’t remember it.