NASCAR is working to bring more clarity to its rulebook. The effort is for fans and race teams and is expected to be implemented in all three major series before the start of the 2015 season.
“I think it’s a change in how we do business moving forward,” NASCAR Operations Director Steve O’Donnell said.
Penalties will be spelled out for each type of infraction and NASCAR plans to have experts on its appeals panel.
NASCAR wants to keep their cars similar to what people drive on the streets. More inspection responsibility will fall on NASCAR’s Research and Development center allowing teams more time on the track rather then having their cars looked at on race weekend.
Another change is that NASCAR inspectors will be able to handle each series rather then being simply assigned to the Sprint Cup, Nationwide or Camping World Truck Series.
Still confused? Here is a basic rundown:
The working teams have developed blueprints for 11 initiatives within the four key areas. They are:
Governance
· Move rule-making from Officiating to R&D / Innovation
· Enhance effectiveness of appeals process by redefining process and appeals board member criteria
Rules
· Simplify rulebook and increase objectivity by replacing written rules with CAD designs
· Enhance parts approval by formalizing submission and approval process
· Increase consistency of rule interpretation across National Series
Penalty / Deterrence
· Strengthen deterrence model to reduce inspection required to ensure competitive racing
Officiating / Inspection
· Increase use of technology on pit road
· Maintain rigor of inspection while creating greater efficiency in the entire process
· Improve efficiency of process by creating race team inspection scheduling system
· Enhance effectiveness of inspection through data collection and trend analysis
· Create unified inspecting and officiating model across National Series
