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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- We're behind the NASCAR hauler where top officials are mulling over a very important decision regarding garage and pit road etiquette.
No, not whether Tony Stewart should be allowed to punch Kurt Busch -- or anybody else for that matter.
This is much bigger than Stewart. Well, not literally.
But it is important to the integrity of the sport: Should Ashley Judd be allowed to wear a dress on pit road?
Inquiring minds want to know.
It is common knowledge that men can't wear short pants or sandals and that women can't wear dresses, tank tops or open-toed shoes around the garage and pit road.
Well, it appeared to be common knowledge until Judd, the movie star wife of rookie Dario Franchitti, arrived on Sunday for qualifying at Daytona International Speedway wearing a low-cut black dress adorned with multicolored tulips.
She also had on high heels, but since the toes were closed we won't make an issue of that.
The dress is another thing.
"A new day," said team owner Chip Ganassi, who brought Franchitti and his wife from the IRL to the Sprint Cup.
We'll let NASCAR decide that.
So, governing body, what's the call on this hot issue? OK, bad choice of words, because these guys obviously consider Judd hot.
"There is a double standard, and she's the double standard," spokesman Ramsey Poston said.
He said this after telling me to write my congressman.
NASCAR exec Jim Hunter, dressed slightly more conservative in his signature sweater-vest and golf shoes, wasn't any more diplomatic. Seems all of these guys are more interested in how Judd's attire could boost ratings than they are safety.
Yes, safety.
Imagine if a car flies by at a high speed and blows Judd's dress up, a la Marilyn Monroe. Imagine all the accidents that could cause as drivers and crew members are more focused on those famous legs than what's happening around them.
It could be a disaster.
"You're right, she does stand out in a dress," Hunter said. "However, Ashley Judd would stand out if she had on a pair of overalls."
Obviously, they're not taking this issue seriously.
"OK," Hunter finally conceded. "I am going to check into this thing and I'll get back to you."
PRICELESS!