NASCAR considering changes to address rule violators in the Chase

This season, NASCAR has unveiled several new rules – new lug nut penalties and the use of the laser inspection station in pre- and post-race inspections are among them – that could possibly come into play in racing for a championship.

NASCAR officials say they want clarity for teams and fans on how these rules will be addressed when it comes to finishes in the Chase, which largely determine which of the 16 drivers advance through the three rounds and into the championship race at Homestead, Fla.

The goal of the plan, which they hope will be completed this week but is not yet set in stone, will be to strike a balance between egregious issues and ensuring a team doesn’t receive something akin to a “death penalty” for a small issue with no realistic impact on the finishing order.

As an example, how would a team be addressed which won the final race at Homestead and the championship but was found to have several missing or loose lug nuts after the race?

Right now, such issues are addressed by fines and crew member suspensions, but in the last race of the season, that would have little practical effect and could be used to a team’s advantage.

If the plan is adapted, it would be put into effect prior to the start of next weekend’s Chase in the Cup series at Chicagoland Speedway but would apply to all three national series.