In an effort to return fans to seats at racetracks and increase television viewership of events, NASCAR has announced immediate implementation of a number of drastic changes recommended by a specially appointed "old-timers" committee. In a Friday morning press conference April 1 at Martinsville, Virginia, NASCAR President, Mike Helton outlined some of the changes designed to boost fan interest in NASCAR racing at the top level:
* A new concept called "The Race to Win" will replace the "Chase for the Championship" and the "Race for the Chase". In this dramatic, new concept, emphasis will be placed on actually winning races. Instead of a post season points payout, drivers willrace for large purse money each week, with the race winner getting a substantial payout.
* Guaranteed starting positions will be eliminated. Another novel idea will replace the old system. From this weekend forward, drivers who post the fastest times will be awarded starting positions regardless of who their car owner might be.
* Cars that start, then park will be inspected and the owner fined a significant amount if no mechanical problem is found.
* Power steering is eliminated. "Cup racing is not for wusses," declared Helton.
* The "Lucky Dog" pass and the "wave around" will be eliminated and drivers will once again race to the flag in a caution situation. "Competition" cautions will be eliminated and the debris causing any "debris" caution must be visible from the grandstand.
* Pit Road speed limits will be eliminated. The fastest driver in and fastest driver out get the prime positions on race restarts.
* Two pit roads will be required at all tracks - a front pit and rear pit. Good, fast teams who choose the rear pit road will be able to duck in immediately on a caution, take on four tires and beat the pace car, gaining positions on those choosing the front pits. There will be no such thing as a "closed" pit road.
* The only paid pit crew members will be those working in a full time paid job at the race shop. All other pit crew members will be unpaid volunteers.
* Car owners will be restricted to two teams and a maximum total of 3 cars per team - a short track car, an intermediate speedway car and a Daytona/Talladega car.
* A maximum of four races per year will be staged at 1 1/2-mile racetracks. A minimum of ten races per year will be staged at tracks under 1 mile in length, with a minimum of 4 races staged at tracks with dirt surfaces.
* Bias ply tires will replace radial tires.
* No races will be staged on concrete surfaces. "Concrete is for sidewalks," noted Helton.
* Radio communication between teams and drivers will be eliminated. Crew chiefs will communicate with drivers using chalkboards on pit road. Drivers will develop hand signals to indicate whether cars are loose or pushing.
* All headlight, tail light and door handle openings must be coveredwith pop rivitedaluminum. No bondo will be used to fill these openings and no decals will mimic headlights or tail lights.
* All cars must conform to templates identical to the manufacturer's showroom model. Fords must look like Fords, Chevys like Chevys, etc. Fans must be able to identify the car make from the grandstand without the manufacturer name painted on the nose.
* Gasoline will replace ethanol.
* No driver will be allowed to compete at the Cup level until that driver has completed three full seasons of local, short track racing.
* Driver motor homes will be eliminated. At the track the driver will stay in the area around the car or at the team hauler. Drivers will sleep at local hotels or motels.
* At the conclusion of races all teams will be given twenty minutes to remove equipment from pit road, then fans will be allowed in from the grandstand and infield. Drivers will be required to be available to fans for a minimum of one hourfollowing fans admission to pit road. NASCAR team owner, Richard Petty will conduct a special required training school for NASCAR to teach drivers how to interact with fans.
NASCAR Chairman, Brian France was unavailable for comment at Martinsville regarding the new NASCAR changes. Helton indicated that due to pressing matters regarding divorce, alleged traffic miscues and time consuming lawsuits, France's sister, Lesa France Kennedy would oversee NASCAR for the immediate future, keeping the business in the family. Helton indicated other changes might be forthcoming to return NASCAR racing to its former level of interest. Helton also thanked former car owners Bud Moore, Cotton Owensand Junie Donlavey for chairing the old timers committee that recommended the changes to renew interest in NASCAR.
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 01/08/17 08:07:31PM
