Another Possible Cool NASCAR Rule Change – Races Ending Under Green
Submitted by RACING NEWS DIGEST
I think this is something I could get on board with.
NASCAR is considering implementing a new rule that would call for races to end under green flag conditions only. They are considering implementing this new rule before the Gatorade Duels tomorrow at 2 pm on SPEED.
It is currently being discussed that there would be no limit to the number of green/white/checkered in order to accomplish a finish under green.
“What we’re looking at is you have to take the white flag under green conditions,” Pemberton said. “We looked at it and at least if something were to happen after they take the white, people will understand you’re coming to the checkered flag.
“There’s a reasonable chance [to let the race finish under green]. If they wreck over there [in Turn 2] coming to the checkered, we’re good to go.”
Pemberton said this is something that has been being discussed that Saturday nights Budweiser Shootout ending under a lap and half caution has pushed this idea to the front.
This is could cause some interesting situations. I mean, the race could go on and on for a long time. Chances are, if your under a green/white/checkered and a caution comes out, then there is some clean up to do.
And on the next green/white/checkered cars may be racing even harder to advance their position, block or get that win. Kind of a second chance for them. And it could just keep escalation because second, third, forth (and more) chances will probably make drivers race harder and harder. 1 more position. A shot at the win.
Then with multiple green/white/checkered you could see some people running out of fuel or having to pit in between green/white/checkered sessions due to a lack of fuel. Of course, they could throw on some new tires to just to make it interesting.
Most teams judge fuel mileage on the advertised length of the race. So this could really throw a wrench into some teams plans.
But honestly, I don’t look at fuel mileage as an issue. It would just be a part of racing in NASCAR. Sometimes a driver has “miracle” fuel mileage and wins a race. Sometimes things got calculated wrong and driver falls a lap short. So this would just be another one of those factors. That’s my opinion at least.
And what if someone is racing in 5th and thinks they honestly have the best car, but on a green/white/checkered they may not have enough time to get to the front. What if…..they decide they need one more green/white/checkered to get up front, so they do something just drastic enough to bring out the caution….like spin the 4th place driver?
I think the above would be a rare situation. I think it would more than likely be something like a driver driving to hard and not doing something on purpose.
That being said, I am on board with this rule change if it happens. Just when your pretty sure you know who the is going to be….it could all change.
Not sure if they are talking about doing it all series or not.
