Yahoo Autos New NASCAR Rule Will Extend Races to Avoid Finishing Under Yellow Flag
Hot on the heels of NASCAR's newly-announced franchise-style team ownership system comes an even bigger change: For the 2016 season, Sprint Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series races will do away with finishes under yellow flag, instead adding as many laps as necessary to get a green flag finish.
As Autosport reports, the new rule, dubbed "NASCAR overtime," establishes an "overtime line" at a specific point, varying from track to track. If the race leader passes the overtime line on the first lap under green before a caution, it's considered a completed last lap and the resulting positions are counted. If a caution flag comes out before the lead car crosses the overtime line on the first lap under green, it's a failed attempt, and subsequent attempts are made until a clean finish can be recorded.
