Whether Vildosola was faster or not, or didn't need these precious seconds, is all retrospect at this point. Did he need to do this to win? Obviuosly not, but the point was he was willing to do this to win. What if he won by 10 seconds? What would some of you think then? Come on, most on here aren't lawyers, so don't try and debate away what the rules are. Was this a pit STOP? No, he didn't STOP; but was it a PIT? Clearly YES. If PIT guys touch the truck during a race, its a PIT. Rules broken, dq (or at least 90min penalty), Bj won...pretty simple. Unfortunate, but simple.
More importantly, what would have happened if video surfaced of a Baja 1000 pit crew member falling out of the back of a truck, being run over by his driver, and possibly ripped apart like some stray dog across the highway? What would that do to our racing? No highway use ever again? The last point to point Baja 1000 race ever??? For what? So one guy could have a small advantage that may or may not help him win? Pretty inconsiderate to all. Creative? Yes; Out of the box? Yes; Selfish? Yes.
When I negotiate with people, I say "Don't be afraid to ask, just don't be afraid of my answer" So I say, go ahead and break the CLEAR rules, just don't be afraid of the consequences. I don't like to use the word "cheater" because that seems to imply lack of character or deception, and that description is not fitting for the Vildosolas; but I think this was a heat of the moment mistake (bad judgement) that could have killed someone and affected us all, and can't be overlooked.
I wouldn't be afriad of hurting somones feelings, about finishing order; this isn't cupcake wars, its trophy truck racing...*slap on the back*..."Nice try, but it cost you the win, see you at the 250, let's go have a beer"