NASCAR has introduced a new language to its rulebook. To preserve the integrity of the sport, the sanctioning body has updated its regulations to specifically target Xfinity and Truck Series drivers. Despite being a motorsports discipline, the stock car racing series has always allowed for certain leeway when it comes to racers making contact with each other on the track. However, the sports hierarchy is trying to leave little room for misinterpretation, redefining its rules to ensure that competition is not just fair but also safe for everyone involved.
With the 2025 season officially underway, will the changes in the rulebook make a drastic difference in the way drivers compete with each other? Time will tell. However, the change seems to be a step in the right direction for NASCAR.
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Will rulebook changes alter race strategy?
NASCAR has made plenty of changes to its rulebook recently. From altering the Damage Vehicle Policy to testing procedures and everything in between, the sanctioning body is refining the sport to ensure competition is fair and just for all the stakeholders. In an attempt to switch things up, the sport has reworded a section that now claims that drivers may face penalties for locking bumpers, an aspect of racing that has long been a gray area in the sport. The one-word change can completely alter the meaning of the rule, which can change the way drivers compete in both the national series.
In a tweet uploaded by Jonathan Fjeld, The Racing Experts co-owner wrote, “New language in the NASCAR rulebook specifies drivers in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series may be penalized for locking bumpers. Previously, the rulebook stated Xfinity and Truck drivers would be penalized for it. #NASCAR” By changing the word ‘would’ with ‘may’, the sanctioning body indicates that penalties for such instances may be handed out at their discretion on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that circumstances and the nature of contact are considered.
Locking bumpers, also known as ‘bump drafting’ is when a driver makes contact of their front bumper with the rear of another vehicle, allowing both the racers to gain speed. The tactic is most often seen on superspeedway tracks, such as Daytona and Talladega. However, the move comes with inherent risks, as making contact at high speeds can force drivers to lose control of their cars, resulting in multi-car wrecks. It will be interesting to see how a single-word change in the rulebook will alter race strategy for teams going into the 2025 campaign.
Will drivers risk a black flag and a pass-through penalty by locking bumpers in the races ahead? That remains to be seen. However, while the sanctioning body had previously said that drivers “would be penalized”, the reality was very different. If incidents from 2024 are anything to go by, NASCAR taking appropriate action by the book was somewhat of a coin flip, and the rule change will eliminate the ambiguity.
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NASCAR’s updated DVP rules came into effect at the Daytona 500
The 2025 campaign is officially underway now that the race at Daytona International Speedway is over. Despite there being plenty of excitement, drama, and controversy, NASCAR is aiming to have fewer talking points this year by updating its rulebook and rewording several ‘gray areas’. One of which is the Damage Vehicle Policy, which was seen in effect at ‘The Great American Race’ when Kyle Busch was forced to the sidelines on Lap 186 after being involved in a crash.
Despite having four flat tires, ‘Rowdy’ was forced into the work area after the air jack system didn’t work. After the rubber was replaced, the Richard Childress Racing star attempted to make minimum speed but returned to the garage before the green flag was waved to receive further repairs. However, as per the regulations, drivers are given unlimited time to make fixes in the garage, after which they need to ensure their car is up to speed or risk a DNF. Multiple attempts to return to the track are not allowed in such circumstances.
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The measure is yet another way for NASCAR to tighten its grip on drivers and teams. Previously, if a car entered the garage area, it was eliminated from the race automatically. However, the sanctioning body is eager to give drivers more chances to compete in races, which is why the Damage Vehicle Policy has been drastically altered. However, the rules were misinterpreted by the two-time Cup Series star, who boldly wrote on X, “I don’t even think they (NASCAR) know their own rules or procedures.” While the question remains if the rule changes are for the better in the long run, what’s clear is that the DVP interpretation led to quite a lot of chaos at the ‘World Center of Racing’.