How will NASCAR's new overtime, qualifying rules work?
NASCAR changed its overtime rules and Daytona 500 qualifying format Thursday, leaving fans with questions about how the new policies will work.
Here’s an attempt to provide some answers:
Q: Why is NASCAR allowing unlimited attempts at an overtime finish and installing an “overtime line?”
A: Like many things in NASCAR these days, the rule was a result of collaboration – in this case between NASCAR and the drivers (yes, the drivers are on board with this change).
Everyone realized the fans were upset and angry last year when the Talladega Superspeedway race ended after only one green-white-checkered attempt – and a sorry one at that -- thanks to a crash triggered by Kevin Harvick.
So NASCAR and the drivers tried to come up with a way to appease fans who wanted multiple overtime attempts while also providing a solution that would be safer and more practical.
This compromise was it: If overtime has a clean start and the leader makes it to the new overtime line – which will be somewhere on the backstretch – the race would end if there’s a caution after that point. But if there’s an ugly start (again, think Harvick at Talladega), then there would be as many attempts as needed to end the race.
NASCAR announces new rules for qualifying and overtime finishes
Q: But the race can still end under a caution, right?
A: Of course, but that would be wildly unsafe if NASCAR said the race had to end under green – particularly at a restrictor-plate track. This way strikes a balance between the possibility of multiple overtimes and not putting the drivers in repeated less-than-safe scenarios.
Q: OK, but why eliminate the part where they have to complete at least one green-flag lap?
A: The overtime line will replace the start/finish line as the new deciding point for whether more overtimes are needed. That’s a much safer way to go at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega, because if there’s a wreck on the restart then at least the field won’t be at full speed when it happens.
Sure, there’s still a chance for an Austin Dillon-type crash to occur – that won’t ever be eliminated – but it’s slightly less likely now.
Q: Why didn’t NASCAR just leave overtime the same for other tracks and make a special circumstance for Daytona and Talladega?
A: Officials wanted some consistency across the board. Instead of having one rule at plate tracks and another one at every other circuit, now the rules are the same. That’s better for helping fans understand the sport. The restart line will be at a different place at each track and those areas still are to be determined.
Q: Isn’t there still a chance for a driver to manipulate the race? This new rule doesn’t prevent that.
A: Of course, but the human element of NASCAR always provides for that chance. For example: If a driver knows the cars ahead of him are running out of fuel heading to overtime, he could potentially cause a caution before the overtime line to help his own situation.
That would be an unfortunate scenario, and NASCAR would hopefully take action if there was evidence of wrongdoing. But no restart rule will eliminate every chance for drivers to bend the rules.
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Q: Where exactly will the overtime line be for the Daytona 500?
A: That information was still being finalized as of Thursday afternoon. It’s expected to be somewhere near the middle of the backstretch and will be painted on the track.
Q: OK, enough about the overtime rules. How about Daytona 500 qualifying? What’s the point of having the Duel races if only two cars can get in?
A: There might not be much of a point. The Duel races still set the starting lineup for the Daytona 500, but the magic of those twin races used to be about which drivers would make the Daytona 500.
Now heading into Thursday night’s races, there are only two open spots available. And for the Charter teams, they’re risking their Daytona 500 primary cars to get a starting position in a race that has shown time and again where you start doesn’t really matter.
This is happening because under the new Charter system, 36 spots already are taken in a reduced 40-car field. Two more spots will be awarded based on Sunday’s qualifying speeds, so that leaves just two more positions for a non-charter team to take.
Q: Did anything else change?
A: Yes, the points did. Because there are only 40 cars in the field now, there’s no point in awarding 43 points to the race winner and four points to last place.
The race winner will get 40 points, plus a one-point bonus for leading a lap and three points for a race win. Last place still gets one point.
Follow Gluck on Twitter @jeff_gluck
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