The Earnhardt Ganassi driver had more than 4 seconds of a lead when pitting for a new set of tires and refuel on Lap 125. However, the NASCAR officials handed the Colombian driver with a drive-through penalty for exceeding the 55 mph speed limit on the pit lane, which caused him to drop from leader to No 12 in the race.
Montoya eventually finished the race in 11th place, but swore he did nothing wrong during his last pit stop. In addition, he accused NASCAR for robbing him of a well-deserved win in the series.
“I swear on my children and my wife, I was not speeding. You know, I was being very conscious of that, you know what I mean? I've been robbed before, I've been screwed before, but (NASCAR) overdid themselves this week,” said a frustrated Montoya when talking to his pit crew via the radio.
He was immediately calmed down by his team before stepping out of his car, but still couldn't hide his disappointment over what happened in the late stages of the race. Although he had heard Montoya's comments after the race, NASCAR's Robin Pemberton insisted he fully understands Montoya's fustration.
“He pushed the limit, he got the best of pitroad all day long and there were two separate sections that he just happened to be over the limit on it. He wasn't the only one of the day but is the one everyone will remember. He's a great competitor and I can't imagine anybody, any driver that wouldn't have said at least what he said and he knows we're here and we'll do the best job that we can. He's a furious competitor and I feel bad for him, but it is what it is,” said Pemberton.
Montoya's crew chief Brian Pattie also agreed with NASCAR, especially since he admitted himself that Montoya's speeding was recorded via the electronic devices and an appeal would be useless.
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