Is it time for NASCAR to implement a choose cone rule?
With lane choice becoming so important during restarts, is it time for NASCAR to consider implementing a choose cone rule?
Over the last few NASCAR Cup Series races, there have been multiple instances of drivers stopping at the end of pit road, trying to get in position to start in the preferred lane on the restart.
Tracks such as Darlington Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway showed that a driver restarting in sixth place on the outside could be in a better position than someone starting in the second row on the inside.
The opposite can be said for Atlanta Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway. An argument can be made that restarting in seventh place on the inside is better than starting in the second row on the outside.
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How can NASCAR make it so that drivers don’t have to stop at the end of pit road to try to be in the preferred lane? Implement a choose cone rule.
A choose cone rule would allow each driver, not just the leader, to pick their lanes for the restart.
For example, the first seven drivers may choose to line up on the bottom. The eighth place driver may take the track position to effectively move up to second, but he would do so knowing that it would be a gamble, as his lane would likely be at a disadvantage on a restart. This rule is already used at many short tracks around the country.
Austin Dillon reignited talks of a choose cone after his frustration of restarting on the inside lane at Darlington Raceway.
It’s time for a choose cone. @TooToughToTame is the perfect place to try it. The bottom is at a disadvantage this will create drama and allow us to decide our fate. Paint something on the track before the start finish line. One to go we choose our destiny.
— Austin Dillon (@austindillon3) May 21, 2020
But this isn’t the first time Dillon has pushed for this rule change. He and Denny Hamlin both expressed their frustrations after the August race at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2018.
Man we passed a lot of cars and got the car better throughout the night. Bummed we didn’t get the finish we deserved but worth the gamble to take 2 tires at the end. The top lane is very dominant on restarts it’s time for a choose rule/cone. No reason we can’t make that happen.
— Austin Dillon (@austindillon3) August 19, 2018
#chooserule. Shouldn’t be a disadvantage to be 3rd instead of 6th. Races are made and broke because of luck
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) August 19, 2018
Perhaps the biggest question would be how the drivers would choose their lanes. Many of the short tracks that use this rule have a cone in the middle of the track and drivers go either above or below that cone to designate which lane they want.
While that could work, does NASCAR really want to send somebody onto the track just to put down and pick up a cone before every restart? Also, at short tracks, they would probably have to add an extra lap of caution since the official may not have enough time to safely get off of the track.
Another option is to make it so that only the top 10 drivers can pick their lane, while everyone else would file in based on the running order. This would take less time, and it would avoid too much confusion toward the back of the pack.
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The choose cone rule is definitely an idea that NASCAR should look into. Drivers stopping at the end of pit road is starting to look ridiculous. Why should a driver who gained four spots on pit road be at a disadvantage if he happens to end up in the wrong lane?