NASCAR reduces Talladega green-white-checkereds for safety reasons

NASCAR usually gives three attempts at a green-white checkered, but that will be altered for this weekend's lone restrictor plate race in the Chase at Talladega Superspeedway.

Cars will remain double-file, but there will only be one attempt to finish under green if the race goes into overtime. At this time, the procedure change is in place for this weekend alone.

NASCAR statement

“Following extensive dialogue with the industry, we have decided to make a procedural change at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend,’’ said NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer Steve O’Donnell. “In the event the race goes beyond the advertised distance due to a caution, we will use a single attempt at a green-white-checker finish. We take very seriously the responsibility of balancing exciting finishes and safety. We’re confident that this is a positive direction for both.”

During a G-W-C in the most recent restrictor plate race at Daytona, Austin Dillon's No. 3 RCR Chevrolet flew into the fence in a horrifying accident that left five spectators injured - and that is not the only example. 

The rule change will be in effect for the Camping World Truck Series race. Multiple drivers have voiced their approval of such a change including Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr.

 “I certainly don’t think we need multiple G-W-Cs at a restrictor-plate track," Gordon said at Dover earlier this month.