Full Throttle

NASCAR has announced changes for the Busch Grand National North & West Series events. On first read I like their idea and tend to believe they should be emplemented for the [avatar:http://cranialcavity.net/files/cup.jpg]NEXTEL Cup Series[/avatar] and [avatar:http://cranialcavity.net/files/bgn.gif]Busch Series[/avatar] events.

The changes will include lining cars up two abreast on restarts, but with a twist. The twist being all lapped cars will be placed at the end of the field vice on the inside line. If that would have been in use last weekend in Pocono Dale Jr. never would have been in a position to possibly influence the outcome of that event. Here are the changes printed in full.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 27, 2005) - In a move that is expected to improve competition and create more side-by-side racing action, NASCAR has instituted two significant changes in the NASCAR Grand National Division, which includes the Busch North Series and West Series.

NASCAR Grand National Division (Busch North Series and West Series) races will now feature “double-file” restarts after any [avatar:http://cranialcavity.net/files/caution.jpg]caution[/avatar] periods. The cars will be aligned in two rows, in the order they were running when the caution period began. Any lapped cars will be placed at the rear of the field, also in double-file formation.

In addition to changing the restart procedure, NASCAR Grand National Division officials will also institute a “beneficiary” rule, which allows the first driver off the lead lap to return to the last position on the lead lap, under caution. This rule has been instituted to give competitors a break if their car is just a little off the pace, as well as ensure more
orderly caution periods and restarts.

Previously, NASCAR Grand National Division events utilized “single-file” restarts, in which the lead-lap cars were lined up in a single line with the leader alone at the front. Any lapped cars were lined up separately on the inside row.

“We have instituted these changes in an effort to improve the competition in the Grand National Division,” said Don Hawk, NASCAR Director of Regional Racing Development. “These changes give more competitors the chance to race wheel to wheel, fender to fender and have a more exciting product for the fans.

“I believe it gives more drivers a chance to be on the lead lap, it gets the lapped cars away from the leaders and allows both groups a race within a race,” said Hawk. “The rule is known as the ‘beneficiary’ rule but it’s the
fans who should be the real benefactors as more cars should stay in contention, on the lead lap or at least have a chance. On some race tracks, going down a lap has basically ruined someone’s night under the old procedures.

“It is another phase of changing our competition model,” added Hawk. “We have been gathering as much information and as many ideas as possible, to continue to provide the competitive NASCAR racing that our fans have come to expect.”

The Busch North Series will implement these changes at its next event, July 30 at Adirondack International Speedway in Beaver Falls, N.Y. The West Series will also be in action July 30, at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash., and will implement these changes to its race procedures .

Note the section I highlighted. With this rule everyone on the lead lap will have the ability to race each other without being blocked or otherwise interfered with as they race for the lead. The same can be said for those a lap or more down, they race among those they can pass for position and not be bothered with having to move over and let the faster leaders go past.

Brilliant, it should be made effective at all levels of NASCAR.