NASCAR experimented with the “choose rule,” popular among local and regional short-track racing series, in its All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway last month. The stock-car racing sanctioning body announced Thursday that the rule would be implemented in all three of its national series, beginning with the Michigan International Speedway race weekend that includes Cup Series races Saturday and Sunday.
“Considering feedback from teams, drivers and fans, NASCAR has implemented these changes to enhance competition as we approach the playoffs,” NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition Scott Miller said. “We received nothing but positive comments from the drivers on the choose rule following the All-Star Race, and felt it was an important addition to the restart procedure.”
The rule will not be used for road-course races or superspeedway races at Daytona International Speedway or Talladega Superspeedway.
The “choose rule” allows drivers to choose whether they want to restart in the inside or outside line, regardless of the order in which they exit pit road. Drivers have the option of restarting in the more desirable line or improving their positions in the race running order by choosing the less popular line. For example, if the top-four drivers out of the pits choose the outside line, he fifth-place driver would have the option of restarting in the inside line, moving up to the front row to restart in the top-two.
“Great stuff! This is a game changer!” Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) tweeted.
Chase Elliott gave a positive review of the rule after winning the All-Star Race.
“I think the choose rule’s been needed for a long time,” Chase Elliott said after winning the All-Star Race. “I think it should be that way every week. I don’t think there’s really a reason to not have it. There’s no reason to me why you shouldn’t have the choice or you should be automatically told where you’re going to line up when one lane has an obvious advantage, just based on where you come off pit road. Life ain’t fair I guess, but just makes way more sense to put it in our hands, and it either works out for you or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t work out, then it’s your own fault and not luck of the draw and where you come off pit road.”
