Of course, they could have left the bolt loose intentionally, but I don't think it's a good idea to drop a shock at 190. You can't prove intent on equipment failure, but that does not stop some from trying.
RE: the infraction by the #24
You all seem to be missing the point. The problem was that it used to be "the rules are the rules." Intent never played into their interpretation. If you accidentally broke a rule, you still got punished.
Now NASCAR is saying they can read the minds of the #24 team and read intent. And how do they result in doing this? -- by sending mixed signals. "Yeah, he keeps the win, and is not fined, but he must start at the back."
What?!?! Either it is an infraction or it is not?! Either the #24 won fairly, or the #2 is the winner (God forbid)?!
See, it is not about intent. It is about the rules and their fair application.
At least it used to be. :-/