NASCAR makes the start/finish line the new Overtime Line

NASCAR makes the start/finish line the new Overtime Line, effective immediately

DOVER, DE - JUNE 04: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field to turn one for the last restart of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway on June 4, 2017 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

This should go a long way toward easing fan confusion and anger at the track, though it might make crew chiefs gambling on fuel strategy extra nervous.

If you happened to be at the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover earlier this year, you probably heard something unmistakable at the end of the race: the sound of NASCAR fans booing. Not because Jimmie Johnson won, but because the wreck in overtime ended the race under caution and it took several minutes to figure out what was going on.

That’s not the only time a situation like that has happened this season, but NASCAR is taking a much-needed step to correct that. As reported by Jayski, NASCAR has announced that the Overtime Line is now the same as the start/finish line for all races, effective immediately.

NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell released a statement explaining the decision.

"“NASCAR has been looking at the Overtime procedure for quite some time. After many discussions with key figures throughout the industry, we recognize that having the start/finish line serve as the standard Overtime Line position will benefit the race – and, most importantly, our fans. We are implementing this immediately, starting with this weekend’s races at Watkins Glen International.”"

Prior to today, the Overtime Line was near the entrance to Turn 3 at most tracks. But it was difficult for fans to see, especially the ones in the stands.

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This move is the most logical possible change, one that should minimize confusion while hopefully reducing the number of races won under caution. It’s also simply a victory for common sense, as completing one full lap in overtime should make things easy to understand even for novice fans.

NASCAR gets plenty of (oft times deserved) flak when it messes something up, but it should also get a tip of the pit road cap when it makes a change for the better, and this feels like one of those times.

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