What is the Choose Rule? NASCAR applies regulations on superspeedway and dirt races
A major rule change that saw NASCAR overhaul its core racing style somewhat was the introduction of the choice rule during the 2020 Cup Series season. Specifically aimed at changing driver practices following the resumption of a race after a yellow flag, i.e. the caution period, drivers on each line were allowed to choose their preferred line to restart, whether that either the high line or the low line.
The rule of choice has been a staple of the stock car racing community for quite some time. The highest echelon of the sport that adopted it, along with the Xfinity and Truck series, were met with positive reactions when the change was announced. The operation of this rule is one lap before the restart, each lead driver in each row of the restart order can choose their preferred lane before a brightly painted V-shape on the track before the start-finish line.
My first chance in 2021 to make this argument…
The choice rule must be used on all tracks.
I think it’s silly not to use it on superspeedways or road courses.
#NASCAR @v_choose
My first chance in 2021 to make this argument… The rule of choice should be used on all tracks. I think it’s silly not to use it on superspeedways or road courses.#NASCAR @v_choose https://t.co/QGFbtLNIUi
Once the lead driver has chosen their preferred lane, the trailing driver in that row can decide to fall back to the previous row or take the remaining space next to the lead car. With the exception of the Superspeedway and Dirt events, each track had the option for drivers to choose their preferred lane, with this now updated for the 2023 season. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season will also see the rule of choice applied to Dirt and Superspeedway events.
Choose rule will now be in effect for superspeedway races and dirt races.
Choose rule will now be in effect for superspeedway races and dirt races.
However, drivers will need to be careful with their efforts when choosing a lane, as touching a square in the V or changing position after the V can lead to later penalties. If Race Control decides that a single-file restart is necessary for many of the reasons stated in the NASCAR rulebook, only the lead car, i.e. the person in P1, is allowed to choose a lane, and the rest of the peloton is obliged to organize itself accordingly.
Driver reaction to the implementation of the NASCAR Choose rule in 2020
Back in the 2020 NASCAR season, the introduction of the Choose Rule has garnered positive reactions from drivers and fans alike, with many on board with the idea that drivers are responsible for where from. they choose to leave during a reboot. Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott explained:
“I think the rule of choice has been needed for a long time, I don’t think there’s really a reason not to have it. There’s no reason for me that you don’t have a choice or being automatically told where you will line up when a lane has a clear advantage, just based on where you exit pit road.”
With the 2023 NASCAR season fast approaching, fans will be able to witness the rule of choice at Round 65 of the Daytona 500 in a few weeks.