IndyCar Changes Restart Rules for 2011

After limiting the field to only 26 cars, the officials of the IZOD IndyCar Series have decided to implement yet another change for the 2011 edition of the championship, and this time it’s related to the restart rules. In fact, there has been a slight adjustment to the restart rules for the 2011 campaign, in the sense that the double-file restarts will from now on apply to both oval courses and road and street rounds.

Until now, two-abreast restarts had been ruled only for oval courses, as the width of the track had permitted such a scheme. That was the main argument why the rule wasn’t applied on road circuits, as the tight track – both the straight and especially the turns – would have made such a restart unpractical.

However, after further evaluating the rules, the series’ competition boss Brian Barnhart decided that it would be best to be consistent and apply the same rules on all tracks, regardless of each and every one’s characteristics.

“After seeking input following our initial restart announcement, we felt it was best to be consistent with the rule and use it at every track,” said Barnhart. “Whether on short ovals, superspeedways, temporary circuits or road courses, side-by-side restarts will certainly be entertaining and further intensify our on-track action.”

Further adjustments to the caution rules include the closure of the pit stops as soon as the yellow flag will be waved, after which only drivers in the leading lap will be allowed to enter the pits. Only after this first group of cars, drivers in traffic will be given the green light for pit entry.

In addition, the IndyCar officials are also contemplating the introduction of a NASCAR-style “free pass” rule, which gives the first lapped car the opportunity to re-enter the leading lap under yellow flag. However, that rule is yet to be decided upon for 2011.