NASCAR Changing Stage Break Rules to Limit Laps Run Under Caution, Create More Green Flag Racing
The new procedure will count late cautions as stage breaks and use scoring loops and video review to set stage points.
- NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell announced Thursday a new stage break rule debuting this weekend at Iowa Speedway for the Cup Series, designed to shorten caution periods.
- O'Donnell said the change stems from the July 26 race at the Brickyard in Indianapolis, where fans were unhappy about back-to-back laps run under caution near stage breaks.
- Under the new rules, if a natural caution occurs with 10 or fewer laps remaining in Stage 1 or Stage 2, that caution period will immediately serve as the scheduled stage break.
- When the field returns under yellow, the race leader will receive the green-and-white checkered flag, while officials determine the top-10 stage finishing order using scoring loops and video replay.
- The new procedure applies to all three national series for the 2026 season, though O'Donnell admitted, "It's not going to be perfect," as NASCAR continues innovating.
26 Articles
26 Articles
NASCAR changing stage rules to create more green flag action
NASCAR plans to implement a new stage-break procedure for its Cup Series races beginning this weekend at Iowa Speedway and continuing through the remainder of the season. Under the new rules, when a natural caution occurs with 10 or fewer laps remaining in Stage 1 or Stage 2, it will be deemed complete at the […]
“We’re Not Done Yet”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hints NASCAR Caution Overhaul Isn’t Done Yet
After a week away from racing, NASCAR gave fans a welcome reason to tune back in. Responding to complaints after a Brickyard 400 filled with back-to-back cautions, CEO Steve O’Donnell announced a procedural change that will combine overlapping yellow flags. While many see it as long overdue, Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes it’s only the beginning of a much broader overhaul NASCAR still needs to make. “Fans have asked for a change. I think teams, dri…
Associated Press News
NASCAR changing stage break rules to limit laps run under caution, create more green flag racing
NASCAR plans to implement a new stage-break procedure for its Cup Series races starting this weekend at Iowa Speedway.
NASCAR Makes Significant Race Procedure Change Ahead of Iowa Weekend
NASCAR announced a significant competition procedure change on Thursday that will take effect immediately, beginning with this weekend’s national series races at Iowa Speedway. The new policy changes how stage breaks will be handled when a natural caution occurs late in a stage. NASCAR said the adjustment is designed to reduce unnecessary laps under yellow while maintaining the integrity of stage racing for the remainder of the 2026 season. The …
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