Johnson hammers NASCAR for phony cautions

FONTANA, Calif. — Jimmie Johnson held a lead of more than two seconds over Matt Kenseth — and growing — when NASCAR threw a caution for debris on the backstretch with 24 laps left in the Auto Club 500 Nextel Cup race Sunday at California Speedway.

At least in the minds of the leaders, the debris was nowhere to be found.

“Bull," Kenseth radioed his crew chief Chip Bolin. “All that is is entertainment."

Johnson agreed. “I had a comfortable two-second lead, and we had a caution come out for debris," he said after the race. “I don’t think they’ve found the debris yet."

[Editor's Note: Debris cautions to make for an exciting finish have been common in NASCAR for decades. They probably should just write it into the rulebook.]