NASCAR Racing: Laps, mandatory trip, infield care center

Question
Hi Coy,

When drivers are coming down pit row and doing a pit stop, does that count as a lap? Also could you explain the mandatory trip to the medical center. Is this trip only a requirement if the race car is no longer in the race? Say that there is a crash but the driver is able to maintain control of the car and get to his pit stall for some repairs and then back in the race, does he not have to go to the medical center and have a relief driver take his place or is he allowed to finish? Thank you.  

Answer
Hi Frank,

First of all, pit road is located on the front stretch.  The finish/next lap line is located in the middle of the front stretch.  Therefore, when a driver comes down pit road, he ends his lap that he was on, and starts the next lap when he crosses the line whether he was pitting or not.
Secondly, the mandatory trip to the infield care center is required only of the drivers who are in wrecks bad enough to render the car driveless.  NASCAR will not make a driver quit the race if they see that he is still capable to drive with full senseablity.
I hope that i have clearly and fully answered your questions.