Helton warns teams not to use traction control

MARTINSVILLE, Va. -- Just in case any teams were thinking about using traction control devices in a race car, Mike Helton advised them it wasn’t a good idea.

Helton, president of NASCAR, addressed the drivers and crew chiefs gathered for the drivers meeting prior to the Virginia 500 on Sunday. Helton had two traction control devices in his hand when he addressed the group.

“We have spent a lot of time and money buying things like this just like you have probably been offered to purchase,” Helton said, holding up the devices. “We can’t penalize the manufactures for making them, but we can you guys if we find them on your cars.

“You’ve been warned. Don’t make us react, please.”