NASCAR Announces Changes to Green-White-Checkered Flag Rules

The new season in the NASCAR series has brought a series of changes to the rulebook, and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing proceeded to one more only one week until the season opening round at Daytona International Circuit.

The new rule allows a maximum of three restart attempts prior to the White Flag under NASCAR’s Green-White-Checkered flag finish. “If the leader has taken the White Flag and the caution flag is displayed, the field is frozen and the race will not be restarted. Previously, there was only one restart attempt,” said a statement from NASCAR on Thursday.

The rule will not debut during the Daytona 500 race this weekend, as it was already used by the NASCAR officials during the Gatorade Duel at Daytona this week. Additionally, the change doesn't only apply to NASCAR's premier series racing, but also to the Nationwide Series and Truck Series.

“We want to do all we can to finish our races under green flag conditions – the fans want to see that and so do the competitors. We felt that putting a cap at three attempts to finish the race under green is the way to go. It gives the fans what they want and it also gives the teams a better opportunity to prepare for their end of race strategy,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition.

It didn't take long for the NASCAR officials to implement the new rule also, as they initially met with the drivers and the teams on Wednesday morning to discuss it and agreed upon it during the same day. It was afterwards announced on Thursday morning, hours before the action was started at the Daytona track.