SONOMA, Calif. -- In the aftermath of the Pocono Raceway pit road debacle, reports have varied as to how NASCAR has amended the rule. On Friday at Infineon Raceway, spokesman Mike Zizzo clarified the rule.

Zizzo said that pit road would open the second time the leader reaches the pit road entrance, regardless the number of times the pace car has reached that entrance.

Recent reports have stated that pit road wouldn't open until the second time the pace car reached the entrance.

"The leader can make a lap without the pace car and it will still count," Zizzo said.

However, Zizzo also said that on the second lap the leader must be accompanied by the pace car.

At Pocono two weeks back, an official at the end of pit road opened the lane one lap too early, enabling some drivers to pit while race leader Jimmie Johnson stayed out, correctly obeying the rule. NASCAR chose not to correct the mistake, penalizing Johnson.

Following the incident, Jeff Gordon apologized to fans, saying he was "embarrassed."

Fortunately for NASCAR, Johnson was strong enough to rebound and win the race anyway.

nascar.com

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