In Charlotte, N.C., a new provision in NASCAR’s rules has secured four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves a spot in the upcoming Daytona 500. The change guarantees a starting position for distinguished “world-class drivers” like Castroneves who enter a Cup Series race. Previously, Castroneves would have had to earn his place in the 40-car field through time trials or a qualifying race. With this adjustment, 41 cars will now compete, leaving four open spots for other drivers aiming to participate in the Feb. 16 event.
Castroneves, making his NASCAR debut at the age of 49 with Trackhouse Racing, will not be eligible for race points, playoff points, or prize money if the provisional spot is used. Furthermore, cars finishing below the provisional entry will have their positions adjusted, along with their rewards and points. In the case of a provisional car securing a race or stage win, the victory will be credited without contributing towards playoff eligibility.
Among other changes announced include penalties for manufacturers found violating regulations, new practice and qualifying procedures, and the introduction of playoff waivers. In the instance of a driver missing a race for non-medical reasons, they will lose all current and future playoff points, commencing the playoffs with a maximum of 2,000 points. This means drivers like Kyle Larson, set to participate in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, must compete in the Cup race to avoid penalties.
NASCAR has also promised to address instances of manufacturers colluding to manipulate outcomes, with potential penalties including the deduction of manufacturers points and loss of wind tunnel hours. Additionally, a focus has been placed on preventing any attempts to manipulate race or championship results. Practice and qualifying procedures have also been updated to include longer group practice sessions and changes to starting positions determined solely by qualifying results.
In which qualifying group the car was in.
Suspension deferral
NASCAR stated that all suspensions resulting from a technical penalty can be deferred without appeal for the next race following a penalty. All other suspensions take effect immediately.
Damaged Vehicle Policy
NASCAR has revised the policy for the Cup Series in response to numerous complaints about the application of the rule last year.
Vehicles on the DVP clock have the option to drive to the garage or be towed there, and will not automatically be disqualified from the race. Previously, if a vehicle on the DVP clock was towed or drove to the garage, it was deemed out of the race.
For more AP auto racing updates, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
