Open wheel drivers a target in NASCAR

For decades it has been said that open wheel drivers are the targets for crashes in NASCAR, especially rookies, to prove NASCAR drivers are the best. It's quite easy to wreck a driver in NASCAR because of all the contact that is termed "just part of the sport."

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this year's #1 crash victim was J.J. Yeley who came out of the open wheel ranks. J.J. Yeley was second to Denny Hamlin in several statistical categories this season. Crashes wasn't one of them.

"J.J. is new to Nextel Cup. Next year it might be (incoming rookie) Juan Montoya," says Robby Gordon, who held the distinction as the most accident-prone driver in 2004. Other past victims that come to mind are Scott Pruett, John Andretti, and Paul Tracy. AJ Allmendinger and Jacques Villeneuve (if he moves to NASCAR) will be targets along with Montoya in 2007. Of course NASCAR may be protecting Montoya due to his "Hispanic" status because when Labonte wrecked him in Homestead late in the race in November he was summoned to the NASCAR trailer and given a stern talking to, and word went out that it's hands (bumpers) off Juan.