08/06/26 02:08:00
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08/06 13:24 CDT NASCAR changing stage break rules to limit laps run under
caution, create more green flag racing
NASCAR changing stage break rules to limit laps run under caution, create more
green flag racing
By The Associated Press
NASCAR plans to implement a new stage-break procedure for its Cup Series races
beginning this weekend at Iowa Speedway and continuing through the remainder of
the season.
Under the new rules, when a natural caution occurs with 10 or fewer laps
remaining in Stage 1 or Stage 2, it will be deemed complete at the time of
caution --- with that same caution period serving as the scheduled stage break.
NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell said Thursday on social media the change stems from
the July 26 race at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, where he said fans were
unhappy about too many back-to-back laps run under caution near stage breaks.
"Long periods of caution laps and not enough green-flag racing," O'Donnell
said. "We heard you, and we want to make a change. ... No more back-to-back
cautions. No more elongated cautions laps. More green flag racing. More action
for you the fans."
When the field returns to the start/finish line under yellow, the leader will
receive the green-and-white checkered flag along with the yellow, according to
NASCAR. At the time of the caution, the top-10 stage finishing order will be
determined using all available resources, including scoring loops and video
replay --- similar to how stage points are awarded.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing
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