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June 24, 2009
Double File Re-Starts a Big Success
By: Dennis Terry
For the Pocono race, NASCAR implemented another rule change by mandating that race re-starts be double file with leaders up front and lap cars in the back.
After three races at three very different tracks, I think that this rule has proved to be a brilliant move by NASCAR that has not only increased the competitiveness of racing, but most importantly has made race re-starts more exciting to watch.
At least, it's more exciting from my view on pit road. I hope that you agree with respect to your view.
This is one of those rule changes that I watch and think, "why haven't we been doing this all along"???
When NASCAR implemented the "Lucky Dog" rule, I'll be honest, it took a long time for me to embrace.
Now, just after three races, double file restarts are as important to NASCAR racing as jelly filling and sparkly sprinkles are to doughnutz.
I think NASCAR is doing a good job trying to provide the best competition possible, I wonder what their next rule change will bring?
DT
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June 24, 2009 | Permalink
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Comments
I like them. The subject got worn into the ground at Sonoma though. I don't understand why it's such an issue, they start the race two wide, they can't do that a few more times during the day and not have it a dramatic news story (like Storm Watchin in L.A.)? At least the day ended with everyone in shock that The King drank wine, it was something new to discuss.
Posted by: Jamie | Jun 24, 2009 12:30:16 PM
Sonoma really was the "final exam." Jamie, on an oval track the guy in second might well make his pass within a lap or two, but on a road course, the chances are pretty slim - passing is rare when you start in a single line on a road course. That's why the double file restarts worked so well. I agree they talked about it a lot, but now it's here, it works, and it's good. Next race, please!
Posted by: Doug in CA | Jun 24, 2009 12:49:37 PM
Actually, it's pretty exciting, very much like old time dirt tracks, the racing was meant to be.
Posted by: favaunt | Jun 24, 2009 1:17:36 PM
Correction: the WAY racing was meant to be.
Posted by: favaunt | Jun 24, 2009 1:18:45 PM
I also agree. Nascar has implemented many rules that have (imo) caused the races to become boring. Now I feel it is the start of a race with each new start
Posted by: doodle | Jun 24, 2009 5:59:22 PM
The next rules changes from NASCAR will probably have something to do with the car, aero changes, horsepower or whatever.
Of course we can dream and if there was one rule change I would love to see it would be to eliminate the chase. It has taken away the specialness of each race, which I think has led inpart to the drop in viewership. It leads to "points racing" rather than trying to win. JPM of all people talked about not trying to win on Sunday but having a good finish was more important. I've said it before, but I root for my driver to win, not finish sixth.
Posted by: Peter | Jun 25, 2009 7:48:36 AM
The next change has gotta be with the aero package. Especially on the 1 1/2 mile tracks where the leaser, regardless of who it is, can just walk off and leave the field. Suit me to get rid of that front splitter, and most of the rear wing/spoiler, put it back in hands of drivers who can drive a loose car. Quit trying to make the cars easy to drive, how about making them fun to watch?
Posted by: clay garrett | Jun 25, 2009 11:10:37 AM
Peter, I agree 100%. In the past, I have suggested that NASCAR look to - of all things - pro golf for a model. There IS no season champ in golf. There's a leading money winner; there's a player of the year (voted by, I think, the players.) There's this new thing called the Fed Ex Cup, but the winner of that is the FedEx Cup winner, not a season champ.
So take all the big bucks given to the season champ and throw it into the purses for all 36 races. If you must have a season champ, give him a trophy and $500,000.
BUT that doesn't fix the problem. There are lots of variations on points racing: don't try the last-lap pass for the win because if you screw up, you might (a) wreck your car, (b) possibly wreck the guy in front of you, (c) piss off a bunch of people, and (d) get 10th place money instead of first place.
Posted by: Doug in CA | Jun 26, 2009 11:22:49 AM
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