NASCAR announces stage lengths for Daytona 500, other weekend races
By Phil Naegely
NASCAR announced stage lengths for the Daytona 500 and other races taking place that weekend.
The weekend of the Daytona 500 is one of the few times that NASCAR’s three top circuits are in session on the same track. Stage lengths for the opening weekend of action at Daytona International Speedway.
This year’s Daytona 500 will be the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race utilizing the stage length rules. Stage one and two of the race will last 60 laps each while the final stage runs from lap 121 through the end of the race, which is currently scheduled for lap 200. However, if NASCAR utilizes overtime due to a wreck on the final lap, then the final stage is extended. Also,
The addition of stage lengths modifies when a NASCAR race is considered official. In the past, races that completed 50 percent or more of the laps was considered complete if it was shortened due to weather. Now, the NASCAR races are not deemed official until stage two is complete. This means the Daytona 500 would be considered official after lap 120, which is 60 percent of the race.
Stage one and two of the 120-lap Xfinity Series race Powershares QQQ 300 last 30 laps. The final stage runs from lap 61 to lap 120. Nextera Energy Resources 250, which is the first Camping World Truck Series race of the season. Stage one and two of the 100-lap race each lasts 20 laps with the third stage running for 60 laps.
Daytona 500 takes place on Feb. 26 as the popular race concludes a busy week of racing. The Powershares QQQ 300 happens on Feb. 25 while the Camping World Truck race kicks off the action on Feb. 24.
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These stage lengths are only a minor change. It shouldn’t hinder what has been some great racing at Daytona in the past. Instead, the introduction of stages should make the action even better.