NASCAR moving to double-file restarts

UPDATE NASCAR distributed proposals to crew chiefs regarding possible procedures for double-file restarts which could be introduced as early as Pocono Raceway next week. The proposal states all starts will be double file. The race leader will have his choice of which lane to use for the restart. The third-place car will always start in the inside lane. There will be no changes in the free pass or "lucky dog," and cars that are one lap down can choose not to pit, therefore regaining a lap during a caution. The new rule appears to be a work in progress but Pocono is a 2.5-miler with plenty of space and opportunity to figure it out. FoxSports

05/31/09 NASCAR appears close to moving ahead with making all restarts in races in its three national series — Cup, Nationwide and Trucks — double-file restarts with lead-lap cars up front. Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communication, said Saturday the issue is on the "front-burner" right now but offered no timetable. Several Cup drivers, some of whom attended NASCAR's state of the sport meetings in Concord, N.C., on Tuesday, said they believe double-file restarts could be implemented within weeks. Charlotte Observer