NASCAR announces procedure changes ahead of playoffs

After experimenting with the idea of a 'choose rule' for restarts during the All-Star Race, NASCAR will implement the procedure for all events excluding those run at superpseedways and road courses.

The rule compels each driver to choose which line they wish to restart in as they approach a designated area on the track, which could prove pivotal at circuits where one line is favored heavily over the other.

Determining the starting lineup

Additionally, NASCAR is fine-tuning the way the starting lineup is determined with qualifying cancelled for the remainder of the 2020 season. 

There will be a competition-based performance metric to determine the starting lineup and pit selection, replacing the random draw procedure that has been utilized since NASCAR's return in May.

NASCAR explained the procedure as follows:

- 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.

“Considering feedback from teams, drivers and fans, NASCAR has implemented these changes to enhance competition as we approach the Playoffs,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “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.”