NASCAR driver endorse new stage rules with one key caveat
For the most part, NASCAR Cup Series drivers see the rule changes made to stage racing this week as a matter of common sense. There wasn’t a lot of pushback. “In my mind, it’s leaning back in the direction of a natural race progression,” said 2020 champion Chase Elliott. “I know the stages are still there but it feels less fabricated than knowing you’re going to have that on an ... Keep reading
NASCAR Cup Series drivers largely view the stage racing rule changes implemented this week as a reasonable adjustment. Chase Elliott, the 2020 champion, stated that the new format "leans back in the direction of a natural race progression." The key alteration is that if a caution occurs within the final 10 laps of a stage, the stage ends immediately, and pit road is promptly reopened.
This change was prompted by incidents like the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis, where cautions within stages led to lengthy delays. Carson Hocevar appreciated that this approach is reminiscent of short-track Late Model racing. Tyler Reddick, however, expressed concerns about how this might impact strategy, particularly for stage two.
Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson, both drivers, also raised questions about the potential effect on strategy. Despite these concerns, all drivers indicated they were generally supportive of the rule changes, especially as they could lead to more green-flag racing and reduce predictability.
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