NASCAR Brings Double-File Restarts in the Sprint Cup Series

NASCAR proceeded to changing the restart regulations for the remaining races of the current Sprint Cup season, with the new rules due to come into effect from as early as this weekend's Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. The new format is believed to boost the spectacle inside the sport, while also avoid confusing situations on the track.

Starting this very weekend, the drivers in the leading lap will restart in two lines after every caution, without any of the lap-down drivers interfering with that order. The drivers being one or more laps down will restart from the rear of the leading pack, leaving the frontrunners battle for positions as they please.

Until now, the cars in the leading lap would restart the race lined up on the outside of the track (until 20 laps to go), while lapped cars would form a similar line on the inside. Also, while some of the leaders decided to stop for refuel or tire change, the order on the track would become chaotical because of the lapped cars staying on the track.

In addition, the driver leading the pack at the restart will be given the possibility to choose the line from which he wants to take the green flag – either the inside, or the outside. Regardless of his decision, the drivers in the leading lap behind him will restart in a pre-set order, meaning the odd number positions on the inside and the even number positions on the outside.

Finally, the first lapped car will be able to get back on the leading lap at every caution – known as the free-pass rule – for the entire duration of the race, not only the final 10 laps as it was before.

It's worth mentioning that the “Double-File Restarts” format was already successfully implemented in the Budweiser Shootout and the All-Star race this season. Its immense success within the NASCAR fans was actually what triggered the implementation in the Sprint Cup Series.

“We've heard the fans loud and clear: 'double-file restarts -- shootout style' are coming to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. This addition to the race format is good for competition and good for the fans,” said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France.

“The last 10 laps of the recent Sprint All-Star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway proved that the double-file restart concept works well. Short tracks have been doing this for years, and I have no doubt that it will enhance the excitement of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing. I applaud NASCAR's decision to implement this change immediately. Close competition gives our fans a great entertainment value,” added Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.