Double-file restart procedure still confusing for NASCAR competitors
Usage of the double-file restart procedure began during this season's Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway.
// David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
JOLIET, Ill. - The new double-file restart rule is still causing confusion for NASCAR drivers and their crew chiefs.
Race director David Hoots was questioned about restarts several times during the prerace Sprint Cup drivers meeting at Chicagoland Speedway.
First, Jimmie Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus asked about which car controls the start of the race if the leader pulls off to make a late pit stop.
Hoots answered that all cars would simply move up in their line instead of reshuffling the whole field, and the second-place car would get to control the restart - even if it had the outside position.
Then, Kurt Busch's crew chief Pat Tryson wondered about the scenario that occurred in Friday night's Nationwide Series race, when Carl Edwards illegally passed Brian Vickers on the outside before the start/finish line but gave the spot back and was not penalized.
"I'd stress to you drivers that you're good enough that you shouldn't be getting yourself in that position - stay in line until you cross the start/finish line," Hoots said.
After a brief pause, Hoots realized his answer was vague.
"No, I didn't answer the question, but you can stay in line the entire time," Hoots said to scattered laughter.
Hoots then said that NASCAR officials let drivers figure it out for the first six races, but that they should have the restart procedures down by now.
"You're the best in the world, you shouldn't have any problems doing this," he said.
That led Jeff Gordon to ask Hoots if there was a "grace period" for making mistakes like Edwards did in the Nationwide race.
"The grace period is over," Hoots said. "We're serious about it tonight."
Mark Martin then asked if a driver has a problem on the restart - such as spinning the tires or a transmission issue - if those behind him were allowed to jump out of line and pass before the line.
"We'll look at that just like we have on the original start," Hoots said, reserving NASCAR's right to make a judgment call.
"Any other questions?" Hoots asked the drivers. "Well, I have a question. Matt [Kenseth], how's [wife] Katie and [newborn daughter] Kaylin doing?"
Kenseth said they were doing well, and that was welcomed with applause from everyone in the tent, and the meeting was concluded.
