Double-file restart procedure still confusing for NASCAR competitors
By Jeff Gluck - Associate Editor
Saturday, July 11, 2009
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.
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27 responses to "Double-file restart procedure still confusing for NASCAR competitors". Post a Comment.
amalycke said:
Jul 11, 2009 at 7:00 PMUnbelievable how the lap-down cars are immediately granted the go-around pass but have to agree NOT to pit under caution. Weird trade off I guess ...
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSS396Chevelle said:
Jul 11, 2009 at 7:09 PMWell it puts them back on the lead lap with hopes for another caution real soon so they can pit, it not they lose their lap again. They don't have to take the wave around, but they will be a lap down and have to fight for the lucky dog. By the start of the chase they all should know what's going on. It sure does put excitement back in the restarts, which the fans wanted.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportmotorman said:
Jul 11, 2009 at 11:45 PMmost of these guys started out racing short tracks and most all use a double file restarts so what is the problem ??
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» Confirm Abuse ReportAndi said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 12:00 AM#3. Its nascar, they seem to make things more confusing then what these guys are used to on short tracks. That's my guess anyways.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportmjones319 said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 8:48 AMOk, my simple mind may not be grasping this. Why is this different then the way things were. They had 2 rows of cars before. The only difference now is that all the slower cars are in the back. They are ALL still racing for position, they are all still racing to get ahead of the monkey in front of them. Ex: If your in 8th position with the new start you only have a like of 3 cars ahead of you to pass(assuming everyone stays in line) instead of a line of 7 cars. What is it about this that the drivers don't like?
Report as AbuseIf these drivers are 'the best in the world' then why cant they mind there p's and q's and take it easy until they get spread out a little bit? They all complain about how people get antsy at the beginning of a restart...well put your money where your mouth is and sandbag a little until it 'safer'.
I am just trying to figure out why it seems so many drivers dislike the double file restart. i think they should bring back the single file inside of 10 laps.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportamalycke said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 11:19 AMIt's just the now infamous wave-around that throws everybody, and I mean everybody inlcudling Neuenberger. Some of the wave around cars found a way to pit so soon as the green flag waved, it looked really bizarre as Larry McReynolds pointed out but the CC's must've figured out an edge by pitting as they are SLOWLY taking the green, thereby not losing too much time on pit road that way vs. when the cars are at full song 4 laps later in the green
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 12:09 PMisn't it an option if those cars want to go around or pit?...
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» Confirm Abuse Reportfredstephens said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 12:28 PMmotorsportsphotography is blank film.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportfredstephens said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 12:31 PMmotorsportsphotography is blank film.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportfredstephens said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 12:31 PMmotorsportsphotography is blank film.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportfredstephens said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 12:31 PMmotorsportsphotography is blank film.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportmrmoggy said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 1:31 PMI love the new restart rule. And to #5, what it does is put the guys who are in a position to MAYBE win away from the slower cars that they are already ahead of. That makes it way more exciting at the end of the race. You watched last night, I presume. Was it not great and exciting? From the posts I've read, I am not the only one who thinks this way. Hey Fred, turn off your hi-speed stuff. MSP didn't even post. You are.....undescribable.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportAnonymous said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 1:55 PMCry baby Jeff Burton doesn't like it. Waaaaa !!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportOldschoolNASCAR said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 2:36 PMIs it just me that sees that every race STARTS the same way as the "new" double file restart? At the start of a race the fastest qualifier has the second fastest NEXT to him, NOT behind him. On restarts now, it's the same as the start of any race, fastest up front. I for one think with the Lucky Dog rule there is no need for lapped cars to be in with the leaders on restarts. They get the break whether they are at the front or back in the pack, and many times wreck the leaders racing drivers they have no business racing. They need to be racing other back markers. Seems like a lot of drivers are looking for an excuse for their bad moves and are using the double file restart as their excuse. If they complain about the restarts, why not the start? They're the same thing.....
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» Confirm Abuse Reportjbbigrod said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 2:55 PMPeople are creatures of habit; ALL of us. The drivers are no different. Once they get used to it, they will quit complaining and complain about something else. - - - So what else is new?
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» Confirm Abuse Reportwmvjr1960 said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 4:21 PMI agree with motorman #3 post. These guys are continually saying "I didn't know the rule" Well, you are making millions of dollars to know the freaking rules even if they change weekly. Jimmie Johnson, 3x champ has done this "ignorance" thing before. Double-check, ask questions, walk the track. Don't just get out of the helicopter like you are Lady Gaga. You are paid to be racers not rock stars.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSS396Chevelle said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 6:25 PMWerner they have the opportunity to use the drive around. If they use it and a quick caution it worked, it not they will lose that lap again. It's a crap shoot, but it does allow you to get back on the lead lap. Don't forget there still is the lucky dog.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportvermontcritter-1 said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 6:45 PMAnother attempt by the NASCAR family to bring some excitement into their dying franchise. Every attempt to improve the ratings and reduce the cost of racing has failed. These stupid midseason rules changes, and the equally stupid COT have only caused the cost of racing to increase due to the number of destroyed race cars produced each and every week. I used to watch most of the races on TV without getting bored. Nowadays I usually watch the very start of the race and the very end of the race, occasionally checking in on the progress to see who is winning. The France family ought to just give up on their losing formula, and go back to the recipe that used to work for them. Bill Jr. wouldn't have let things get this far out of wack!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 7:46 PMthey've been double file restarting for years....it's just that now you don't have the lapped cars on the inside...
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» Confirm Abuse Reportzebsdad said:
Jul 12, 2009 at 9:59 PMDoes it take rocket science to line up with first and second in the first row, third and fourth in the second row and so forth continuing thru the whole lineup? Must be we have a bunch of 2 year olds racing 800 HP cars.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportpws1011 said:
Jul 13, 2009 at 1:28 AMThis is for Jeffery Burtoon,it seems as though your not gonna like double file restarts,Item:guess what?Their here to stay.
Report as AbuseItem:If ya can't think fast anymore,try retirement.Lot's of younger guys would love to take yer place.Item: if it was easy I would be there doing it,instead of the LOL,''Professionals"",all that said let's all quit crying and get down to serious racing ,P.S Kyle your not gonna always win or finish great,but you owe it to your fans(All six of em)to at least give a short interview and thank them for contributing to your misery of just making Millions off them,and your sponsers might appreciate it also.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportallshookup said:
Jul 13, 2009 at 9:15 AMI rather like the double file restarts, although I thought the Sonoma one was a bit confusing.
Report as AbuseAND both races this weekend were boring to me!
A lot of empty seats.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportstone069 said:
Jul 13, 2009 at 9:28 AMThe old way broke the good cars up on a restart by having lapped cars in the way and stretched out the field some. This worked even at the plate tracks, by mixing some slower cars in with the fast ones the drivers had to be cautious and work their way around them. This would bunch two or three fast cars together and then a couple of lapped cars, etc. This new double file restart puts all the fast cars together and creates a sense of urgency in the drivers. The drivers now know each car they pass is for position and every car passing them is for position. No "easy" cars to pass. The beginning of the race is calmer because they know they have a long time to catch up and they are just feeling out their cars. I like it, It takes away the lapped cars and lets the fast cars duke it out.
Report as AbuseP.S. Edwards and Busch caused their own wrecks by blocking too late. SIMPLE. Edwards I respect, 1) He has the balls to stick around and tell it like he saw it(And HE was on his roof and almost in the stands. 2) He only mentions the safety issue now, not blaming Brad for what he(Edwards) started. I have said this before Kyle is very talented, if he could stop being a cry baby sore loser who can't act like a man, he might win some of us over. Check your brothers interview after the last race, you'll find out how a man handles himself.
P.S.S. not a big fan of kurt, but I watched him learn a lesson from his run ins with Mr Excitment. Wish shrub, scratch that, WEEPING WILLOW would learn from his brother.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportHammer said:
Jul 13, 2009 at 12:03 PMThey get paid enough money to get it right; so do it!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportbthompson133 said:
Jul 13, 2009 at 12:42 PMdouble file rocks
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRonSchwalbe said:
Jul 13, 2009 at 3:36 PMAfter THREE requests - Hoots STILL didn't answer the question ! Neither does Helton or Pemberton when asked point blank questions - - They always mumble some "NASCAR Speak" - -''.....we're considering it - -it's not on our radar - -we're always MINDFUL of that.... it's up to YOU --(unless WE don't like it) ............ " etc etc.
Report as AbuseBack when RACERS ran NASCAR, Bill Gazzway and Dick Beatie and BIG Bill, etc - questions were ANSWERED directly !! I was there many times in the drivers meetings to here it in person.
They have SO many un-needed rules now, it's hard to pick the fly kr&p out of the pepper !
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» Confirm Abuse Reportaustinh said:
Jul 13, 2009 at 10:24 PMThey came out with the cot which was suppose to Even out the field with the have and the have nots it failed then they took away team testing at NASCAR tracks which only work half as well as they wanted so then they came out with as the Saturday winner Mark Martin called it Quote Dumb-ass double file restarts to bring some excitement and fans back into the sport.
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