NASCAR To Implement 'Choose Rule' For Majority Of Races

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NASCAR has announced two competition procedure changes will be implemented ahead of the Playoffs in all three national series.

Starting with this weekend’s races at Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR will incorporate the "choose rule" into the restart procedure for all national series races except those held on road courses and superspeedways (Daytona and Talladega). 

As drivers approach a designated spot on the track, they must commit to the inside or outside lane for the restart. The rule will add strategy and will be important on tracks that have a distinctly dominant lane on restarts. 

In addition, beginning with the Daytona Road Course event, NASCAR will reward both season-long and single-race performance to determine the lineup and pit selection, using owner points position and the finish and fastest lap from the most recently completed race.

The metrics will be weighted and averaged to establish the starting order. Points position will be weighted at 35%; finishing position at 50%; fastest race lap at 15%.

When the Playoffs begin, Playoff cars will fill the top starting positions. For instance, in the Round of 16, the top 16 starting positions will be Playoff cars; in the Round of 12, the top 12 starting positions will be Playoff cars; and so on.

“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 random draw has served us well during the return to racing, but it is important that starting lineups are based on performance as we approach the Playoffs. The entire industry is aligned on implementing a competition-based system to determine the starting lineup and pit selection order,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition.

For more information, visit nascar.com.

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