NASCAR showing favoritism toward Montoya

As if the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. needed any more headaches after 39 spins and accidents last week at Las Vegas, the company got even more criticism this week when Juan Pablo Montoya was allowed to do a tire test at the Darlington Raceway. Goodyear routinely conducts tire tests. It randomly invites drivers, but Montoya was allowed to drive although he wasn't on Goodyear's list. The test at Darlington was important because that race will feature the new Car of Tomorrow. Goodyear invited #24-Jeff Gordon, #22-Dave Blaney, #41-Reed Sorenson and #16-Greg Biffle, but Montoya showed up and was allowed to drive Sorenson's car. Goodyear said Montoya had NASCAR's blessing. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said NASCAR allowed Montoya, a rookie, to drive because he's never been at Darlington. Montoya's appearance at Darlington may prove to be a one-time exception. NASCAR said invited drivers are the only people who will be allowed to test in the future. Savannah Morning News