NASCAR considering method to eliminate caution flag finishes

NASCAR considering method to eliminate caution flag finishes
In a somewhat bizarre press release, NASCAR president Brian France announced the sanctioning body's intentions to eliminate caution-flag finishes. The bizarre aspect of that lies in the fact that just 1 of the 15 races in the Cup Series this season has ended under caution, the Toyota/SaveMart 350 back in late March. However, France said that series officials have been considering alternatives to remedy the disappointing ending since that race, and is only addressing rumors that leaked earlier Monday morning. The rumors indicated that NASCAR would consider having so-called "green-white-checkered" finishes, in which cars would take the green flag one lap, take the white flag the next time by and end the race at the next flag, be it the checkered or yellow flag. The "green-white-checkered" finishes would serve as a sort of "overtime" period for races, and France did acknowledge that any change would likely involve an overtime situation. "Basically what we want to do," said France, "is make a change so that fans that pay good money to attend a race get the green flag finish they deserve to see. I can admit that the green-white-checkered concept is something we've discussed internally, but there are other options we have also talked about. The bottom line is that by the end of the season we'll be telling people what procedures will be different next season." (ESPN.com) (6/19/07)
Update: Green-White-Checkered Finish Format Announced
After 2 recent events ended under caution in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, series officials revealed a new procedure for races that end the scheduled distance under the caution flag. In what will be termed a "Green-White-Checkered Finish" all races will now feature a green flag ending, promising fans the finish they deserve. Upon the conclusion of the regularly scheduled distance, all cars one lap down or more will be obligated to pull off of the racetrack, leaving only lead lap cars. Those lead lap cars will have 20 minutes to regroup and fix any damage, as well as make any adjustments necessary. In addition, all lead lap cars will be required to add fuel and change 4 tires to guarantee the fairest possible outcome to the event. Regardless of the speed of the pit stop, the cars will be lined up double file as if at the start of the race for the final shootout in the order they ended regulation. Drivers will then take the green flag, the white flag the next time by, and the checkered flag the next time they cross the start/finish line. However, if a caution comes out on the first lap, the field will be reset according to the order that the drivers raced back to the stripe. ALL cars involved in the accident will be forced to pull off, regardless of whether or not the car is in raceable condition. This process will be repeated as many times as necessary. Once the white flag is displayed, the race is official and the results will be determined by the order of the finish at the stripe the next time by. If a caution flies on the final lap, the race is still official. (NASCAR.com) (8/20/07)