NASCAR is changing rules surrounding damaged vehicles in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series, alongside additional changes to the Truck Series.
NASCAR announced these changes, both of which address recent points of contention with fans, in the latest episode of its Hauler Talk podcast.
Per NASCAR Senior Director of Racing Communications Amanda Ellis, teams in the NASCAR OAP and Truck Series will now be able to make repairs in the garage area after an incident.
Previously, teams involved in incidents requiring a tow to the garage were eliminated from the race.
This first rule change matches the Cup Series DVP policy change from early 2025 and will allow teams to make repairs within certain boundaries. Ellis cited the new Chase format as a catalyst for this new policy in discussions with teams.
The second change is only applicable to the Craftsman Truck Series, as teams that fail multiple weeks of inspection will no longer lose practice time. This change followed controversy this past weekend at Dover, where several teams, including debuting driver Dystany Spurlock, were held during practice.
Both of these changes will be in effect starting this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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