NASCAR eliminates racing back to the yellow - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

The_Dude · 09-18-2003, 05:58 PM

Quote:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Rule procedure revisions that eliminate racing back to the yellow (caution) flag and modify pit road entry for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will go into effect beginning this weekend, NASCAR officials announced Thursday.
The revisions will be in place for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series races at Dover International Speedway and for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at California Speedway, all of which are being held this weekend.

"We have monitored and continually discussed internally the situation regarding racing back to the yellow throughout the season, and have reached the conclusion that it is time for us to take this step," NASCAR President Mike Helton said.

"We will eliminate the practice completely and no longer depend on the gentlemen's agreement by the drivers in an effort to further ensure the safety of the competitors."

The new rule will not permit any passing once the caution flag is displayed. Other aspects of this procedure revision as well as the pit road entry modifications will be outlined to the NASCAR Winston Cup and NASCAR Busch Series competitors at a combined meeting scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET Saturday in the garage area at Dover International Speedway.

The Craftsman Truck Series will have the revisions outlined in their scheduled driver/crew chief meeting scheduled for 10:45 a.m. PT Saturday.

NASCAR officials' decisions regarding these new procedures will not be subject to review or appeal.

"We needed to find a better way to do it rather than racing back to the yellow, and the new procedures we are putting in place are the first step in the process," Helton said. "We will monitor and evaluate the new procedures and fine-tune them if needed as we move forward."

I think that this addresses the concern of the guys who voiced out against this.

Although I personally dont agree with it, I like it that they have set their foot down.

This could lead the way to finishes like the indy 500 a couple of years ago when helio castrenevus ( ? ) won the race and paul tracy got 2nd. i thought that was pathetic.

when a crash occurs on the last lap, i wanna see a mad dash for the finish.

gov135 · 09-18-2003, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The_Dude
I think that this addresses the concern of the guys who voiced out against this.

Pretty sure that's me.

Quote:

Originally posted by The_Dude
When a crash occurs on the last lap, i wanna see a mad dash for the finish.

This rule change brings NASCAR closer to repectability. I know you want to see the "dash for the finish" for the entertainment value, but it really is an unsafe practice that should have been banned long ago.

Now, thankfully, when you are rightfully lapped on the track you have to stay a lap down. No moving up cause you struck a deal with someone or your a big star and your 'spotter' throws his weight around. This makes it an even field for everyone.

The_Dude · 09-18-2003, 06:18 PM

i dont see how it's unsafe.

most of the crashes occur behind the leader especially when bunched up.

the guys behind the crash are at risk, but i dont wanna see what happened @ indy.

gov135 · 09-18-2003, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The_Dude
i dont see how it's unsafe.

I think there is an inherently unsafe situation when some guys are intentionally breaking while others are intentionally moving to full throttle.

If an Indy-type situation happens, then it happens. There doesn't always have to be a chase to the finish to make the event worthwhile. The Indianapolis you mentioned was a pretty darn good event, even though there a bit of an anti-climatic finish.

The_Dude · 09-18-2003, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gov135
I think there is an inherently unsafe situation when some guys are intentionally breaking while others are intentionally moving to full throttle.

i dont think anyone from behind the crash will accelerate.

the spotter would be yelling "crash ____ " and they would be down on the apron or trying to avoid a crash.

laconic1 · 09-19-2003, 05:15 AM

I remember a few years ago at Texas when there was a big wreck racing back to the yellow. A crash had happened at the start finish line, and the leaders were racing back to the yellow to keep guys a lap down. To keep a long story short Jeff Gordon, Ernie Irvan and three or four other contenders were taken out when they plowed into a wrecked car. Also last week at New Hampshire Casey Mears just about wrecked himself and Michael Waltrip when Jarrett's car was sitting there. I think this rules change is a good one, now they just need to work on pit road a little more to make it safer for the guys going over the wall.

gov135 · 09-28-2003, 01:45 PM

Holy smokes.

I take back everything I said about NASCAR moving towards respectability with instituting this new rule. They GIVE guys back laps now? Holy mother of God, if this doesn't convince people it is sports entertainment and not sport, I don't know what does. They GIVE people laps back. Jeez. Formula One is not scared if Michael Schumacher doesn't finish high. Why can't NASCAR let a star go a lap down?

And, after flipping on the NASCAR race while at halftime of Lions/Broncos, I saw the cars DEAD stopped on the racetrack. I guess finishing races under a yellow if that's what it dictates is bad in the sports entertainment business. Jeez.

The_Dude · 09-28-2003, 02:45 PM

The lap goes to the first person a lap down. So, it could be anybody.

As for the red flag today, it was because of a HORRIFIC wrech that happened to Elliot Sadles and the race hadnt reached point of no-red flags. (NASCAR announces in advance the last point at which they will stop a race).

tgg7979 · 09-28-2003, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gov135
And, after flipping on the NASCAR race while at halftime of Lions/Broncos, I saw the cars DEAD stopped on the racetrack. I guess finishing races under a yellow if that's what it dictates is bad in the sports entertainment business. Jeez.

Like the Dude said, the cars were stopped because of Elliott Sadler's crash. They stopped the cars there so they could clean up the wreck and have a green flag finish.

archer2371 · 09-28-2003, 03:50 PM

You didn't happen to see the very last lap of the race did you? Pretty exciting stuff happened there, best finish in a race since the spring Darlington race. C'mon, honestly, finishing under yellow is like having a tie in football, you might as well just kiss your sister. Yeah, Elliott's crash was pretty horrific, the car flipped five times, and it took them awhile to clean up the wreck and stuff and get him out of the car. Look, if there is no more racing back to the yellow, then it only stands to reason to let the guy who has worked hard to try and get his lap back to just give it to him, it's just a courtesy. Sure, Ryan Newman won the race at Dover probably because of this rule, but he more than likely would have gotten the lap back anyways and he probably would have won the race as well. He had a fast car. However, five other drivers received this free pass, so it's indiscriminatory. Plus, it frees up the track, placing less lap cars on the (usually) preferred inside line. Look at all the factors before you pass judgment on NASCAR.

09-18-2003, 06:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	i dont see how it's unsafe. most of the crashes occur behind the leader especially when bunched up. the guys behind the crash are at risk, but i dont wanna see what happened @ indy. __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

09-28-2003, 02:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	The lap goes to the first person a lap down. So, it could be anybody. As for the red flag today, it was because of a HORRIFIC wrech that happened to Elliot Sadles and the race hadnt reached point of no-red flags. (NASCAR announces in advance the last point at which they will stop a race). __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

09-28-2003, 03:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
archer2371 Sarge of Blood Gulch Red Outpost Number One Location: On the front lines against our very enemy	You didn't happen to see the very last lap of the race did you? Pretty exciting stuff happened there, best finish in a race since the spring Darlington race. C'mon, honestly, finishing under yellow is like having a tie in football, you might as well just kiss your sister. Yeah, Elliott's crash was pretty horrific, the car flipped five times, and it took them awhile to clean up the wreck and stuff and get him out of the car. Look, if there is no more racing back to the yellow, then it only stands to reason to let the guy who has worked hard to try and get his lap back to just give it to him, it's just a courtesy. Sure, Ryan Newman won the race at Dover probably because of this rule, but he more than likely would have gotten the lap back anyways and he probably would have won the race as well. He had a fast car. However, five other drivers received this free pass, so it's indiscriminatory. Plus, it frees up the track, placing less lap cars on the (usually) preferred inside line. Look at all the factors before you pass judgment on NASCAR. __________________ "This ain't no Ice Cream Social!" "Hey Grif, Chupathingy...how bout that? I like it...got a ring to it." "I have no earthly idea what it is I just saw, or what this place is, or where in the hell O'Malley is! My only choice is to blame Grif for coming up with such a flawed plan. Stupid, stupid Grif."

09-19-2003, 05:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
laconic1 Junkie	I remember a few years ago at Texas when there was a big wreck racing back to the yellow. A crash had happened at the start finish line, and the leaders were racing back to the yellow to keep guys a lap down. To keep a long story short Jeff Gordon, Ernie Irvan and three or four other contenders were taken out when they plowed into a wrecked car. Also last week at New Hampshire Casey Mears just about wrecked himself and Michael Waltrip when Jarrett's car was sitting there. I think this rules change is a good one, now they just need to work on pit road a little more to make it safer for the guys going over the wall.

09-28-2003, 01:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
gov135 Junkie Location: Midwest	Holy smokes. I take back everything I said about NASCAR moving towards respectability with instituting this new rule. They GIVE guys back laps now? Holy mother of God, if this doesn't convince people it is sports entertainment and not sport, I don't know what does. They GIVE people laps back. Jeez. Formula One is not scared if Michael Schumacher doesn't finish high. Why can't NASCAR let a star go a lap down? And, after flipping on the NASCAR race while at halftime of Lions/Broncos, I saw the cars DEAD stopped on the racetrack. I guess finishing races under a yellow if that's what it dictates is bad in the sports entertainment business. Jeez.