NASCAR shortens late-stage cautions with a 10-lap rule change
NASCAR has changed its stage-ending rules: if a caution occurs within 10 laps of the end of Stage 1 or Stage 2, the stage is deemed official at the moment of caution and the leader returns to the start/finish line to receive the green and checkered flags, with the ensuing caution serving as the stage break. Points are paid out immediately and pit road opens as soon as safely possible. The rule, aimed at eliminating long stretches under caution and boosting green-flag action, is in effect starting this weekend at Iowa Speedway, with NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell praising fans for pushing the change.