2023 NASCAR Rules Changes
By Jay Horne of NASCARWagers.com
Earlier this week, I posted a preview of this Sunday’s Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. Shortly after that preview was posted, NASCAR released some big news related to rules changes that will inevitably impact the 2023 season. While I typically try to stay away from the non-betting content, I wanted to provide an update on the summary of the changes that will take place this coming season for anyone that may have missed it. Additionally, I have highlighted a couple of the most significant rules changes that will impact betting for the 2023 season!
Stage breaks eliminated at the Road Courses
The most significant change that will impact the way races unfold this season will take place on the road courses where NASCAR made the decision to eliminate stage breaks. For clarity, there will still be stages including the distribution of stage points following the end of each stage. However, NASCAR will no longer throw the caution at the end of stages which has been the case since stage racing was introduced. As many are aware, road course racing is extremely dependent upon strategy. In previous years, the stage breaks have consistently intervened into the strategy narrative. Instead of teams building strategy around the stage breaks, NASCAR will keep the races under green to allow for road course races to play out more naturally.
As a fan and bettor, I love the idea of allowing strategy to have a bigger impact on the ending of road course events. By not having a designated stage break, teams can explore more strategy options. More so than anything, more natural race strategies could throw some wrinkles into the way road courses play out and easily bring more competitors into the conversation as those various strategies unfold. To be clear, the road courses were difficult to predict in 2022 with the parity yielded by the Next Gen Car. Therefore I’m not saying the elimination of stage breaks will make things easier for bettors. However, I would assume that more natural strategies at the road courses could bring more drivers with longer odds into the discussion, improving overall ROI on potential underdogs.
NASCAR racing in the rain at short tracks?
Perhaps one of the more intriguing amendments to the rules for 2023 includes the possibility to have wet weather packages at some of the oval venues. NASCAR has used “wet weather” tires at the road courses in wet conditions for several years now. The difference between wet weather tires and standard “slicks” is that the wet tires have a tread pattern designed to redirect moisture away from the tire. Traditionally, NASCAR has utilized wet weather tires at the road courses because the left/right turns create even wear on the tires, which essentially maintains stability as tires wear in the wet conditions.
For the 2023 season, NASCAR has added several venues to wet weather preparations meaning wet weather tires will be provided in preparation for events at the Los Angeles Coliseum, Lucas Oil Raceway Park (IRP), Martinsville, Milwaukee, New Hampshire, North Wilkesboro, Phoenix, and Richmond. While NASCAR did not mention the reason that these select tracks were added, I believe it is pretty clear that these are the smallest ovals in NASCAR with relatively limited banking. Racing in wet conditions will not work at high banking venues because all of the bite would take place at the front of the car. Therefore, NASCAR has ultimately made the decision to explore getting races completed/started sooner, even if tracks are not dry, at the smaller venues where drivers would still be able to compete, albeit at a slower pace, on wet weather tires.
Other notable rules changes for 2023
- NASCAR’s damaged vehicle clock has been increased to 7 minutes in 2023 (up from 6 minutes in 2022)
- Expansion to restart zone at specific venues.
- Choose rule will be adopted at the road course and superspeedways this season.
- Lesser penalties for loose lugs resulting in wheel fall offs. Suspension will only be given if the wheel comes off under green flag conditions, outside of pit road. Any wheels that come off on pit road, will serve either a pass-thru penalty (green flag conditions) or go to the tail-end of the longest line (yellow flag conditions).
- NASCAR Playoff Eligibility – Cup Series drivers no longer have to finish inside the top 30 in points to be eligible for the playoffs. Drivers must attempt to start every race or otherwise would need a waiver to the rule.
