On top of everything else that happened, the determining factor in pulling Almirola from the car was probably the sponsor. Rockwell Automation has sponsored the No. 20 Chevy for several seasons now, and unfortunately for Aric, the company happens to be based in Milwaukee. With company executives and other VIPs all attending the race, it was more than likely suggested/demanded that Hamlin – the star driver – be put in the car. Sponsors do pay the bills, and on lap 57 they got their wish when Hamlin jumped behind the wheel.

As far as JGR and the sponsors are concerned, the weekend was a success and everything worked out in the end. Rockwell Automation got its car in victory lane at its home track and the No. 20 car gets credit with the victory. Meanwhile, Aric Almirola was totally disrespected and given the proverbial shaft.

After all, Almirola qualified the car on the pole and led the first 44 laps of the race and was running a strong third when he was forced to get out of the car. Nothing like rewarding Aric for all his hard work in practice, qualifying and the early stages of the race by yanking him from a race he might have won on his own. Even worse, Almirola had the excitement and joy of his first career Busch win ruined because he is given credit for the victory as the driver that started the race. A driver's first win is probably the most memorable moment of their career and Almirola has had that taken from him. Imagine telling the grandkids how he won his first race sitting in his trailer in the pits.

Credit Almirola for handling the situation with as much class as humanly possible. He was noticeably upset when leaving the car and returning to his trailer. After the race he declined comment and simply left the track. He had every right to rant and rave about how he just got screwed but managed to take the high road. I give him even more credit for refusing to go to victory lane afterwards and take part in the charade that will go down in NASCAR history as his first win.

Aric Almirola got a raw deal last Saturday night and everyone involved knows it even if they're not saying it publicly. NASCAR is a business, and like any other business the dollars often dictate the way things are done which is not always fair. Almirola showed a remarkable amount of restraint Saturday and has already proven he has a future in NASCAR. Hopefully, he can win a race for himself in the near future and experience taking the checkered flag from inside the car – he deserves it.