NASCAR drivers intentionally damage their ‘cheater’ cars

Do NASCAR drivers damage their cars during victory celebrations to hide their illegal cars?

There just might be more than celebration in those crowd-pleasing smoky burnouts by winning drivers.

Brad Keselowski raised eyebrows recently when he admitted drivers sometimes intentionally damage their cars after the checkered flag waves. Why?

"Because of the way the tech process works," said the 2012 Sprint Cup champion. “The cars aren’t teched (inspected by officials) the same way at the track as they can be at (NASCAR’s) R&D center.

Tires often are blown-out as the winner spins "donuts" in front of the grandstands. Some drivers have planted the front or rear of the car against the wall while over-revving the engine. The damage could make the car not comply with certain rules but NASCAR does not penalize a team for damage done during the race.

NASCAR routinely inspects the winning car, and several others, after each race. Some are sent to the sanctioning body's Charlotte-area research and development facility for additional checks.

"Winners didn't used to blow their tires," said Denny Hamlin. "NASCAR is really smart and the teams are really smart and they are constantly battling each other to outsmart each other. It’s always a game and the game never stops from when you leave the shop until when you get to that R&D center." azcentral.com