NASCAR announces rule modifications for 2023 season

To stay on par with a new season, NASCAR announced on Tuesday that there will be some changes to the rule book. One of the changes fans can expect to see implemented this season is on road courses – there will no longer be caution flags during Stage breaks in the NASCAR Cup Series. The decision to remove stage cautions came after a review of Fan Council Data and industry discussions. Stage points will still be awarded, but there will no longer be a caution period to slow down the action.

The second change tilts its hat towards Ross Chastain’s “Hail Mary” move at Martinsville Speedway last season that locked him into the Championship 4. NASCAR will not be adding new language to the rule book but instead will enforce rule 10.5.2.6.A which states: “Safety is a top priority for NASCAR and NEM (NASCAR Event Management). Therefore, any violations deemed to compromise the safety of an Event or otherwise pose a dangerous risk to the safety of Competitors, Officials, spectators, or others are treated with the highest degree of seriousness. Safety violations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.” If a driver attempts an unsafe maneuver, officials will issue a time penalty.