[Jeff Lee]

The reason the slowest of the pack don't get a pass is that sometimes (oftentimes?) those are the least experienced racers and they have the biggest problem understanding the rulebook and the procedures in checking an engine properly. Same may goo for the machine shop they used. How many times have you been asked what's allowed with deck height and cylinder head gasket thickness?
But the real issue here is Mr. Teuton missed out on a half-day of beer and that is something NHRA should compensate him for after hours.