Tony Stewart (20) saw his points lead go up in smoke after cutting a tire. Credit: Autostock

Tire concerns prompted talks of cancelling race

CONCORD, N.C. -- NASCAR officials were so concerned with the rash of blown tires Saturday at Lowe's Motor Speedway that they contemplated calling the event early due to competitor mechanical problems for the first time in the sport's history.

"I cannot remember a precedent," NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said. "I think that was a first."

UAW-GM Quality 500 Unofficial Results Pos. Driver Pts/Bonus 1. J. Johnson 185/5 2. Ku. Busch 175/5 3. G. Biffle 170/5 4. J. Nemechek 165/5 5. M. Martin 155/0 • Complete Results: click here • Unofficial Standings: click here Victory LaneJimmie Johnson celebrates his fourth consecutive LMS win Final lapsJohnson battles Nemechek, Busch late for the win UAW-GM Quality 500Check out all the highlights from Charlotte Sign up for TrackPass now BUY YOUR NEXTEL DRIVER PHONE

Hunter said discussion of a cancellation began near the midway point of the UAW-GM Quality 500.

But president Mike Helton instead opted to send pit road inspectors to the teams' pit stalls to send warning that NASCAR would gauge their tire pressures, and if those pressures failed to comply with NASCAR specifications the teams would be subject to penalty -- including points deductions.

"There was serious discussion about stopping the race, period," Hunter said.

Helton reiterated Hunter's statement, saying the night's uncharacteristic circumstances warranted uncharacteristic response.

"In the best interest to finish this event as correctly as it could, we took that step, which was more unusual than we've done in the past," Helton said. "But the evening itself was more unusual than it's ever been."

Helton said no teams face points penalties and NASCAR planned no further reaction.

"We talked about a lot of options, and the enforcing of the recommended air pressure was the one we come up with the try to get through the evening, but certainly we talked about the option of having to shorten the race," Helton said.