How does NASCAR overtime work?

How do the overtime rules in NASCAR work? What happens when extra racing is needed to determine a winner?

The 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is almost here, and that means yet another season of racing is about to unfold. The excitement of the best drivers competing at high speeds makes for one of the most entertaining endeavors to watch.

As is the case with any sport, the intensity amplifies when overtime is needed. Sometimes in racing, extra laps are necessary to determine a winner. NASCAR has seen multiple changes to its overtime rules over the years, but the current setup is straightforward.

If extra laps are needed, there will be two laps to determine a winner. If a wreck occurs on the first lap, then overtime will be restarted. If the second lap is reached and the lead car can pass the overtime line, then any wreck that occurs after will bring an end to the race and the finishing order will lock into place.

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Multiple restarts are not uncommon depending on the track, and overtime has created for some memorable moments. In a race like the Daytona 500, the intensity of everyone racing to be the one to claim victory makes it all more the likely something could occur that makes overtime necessary.

It can also be incredibly challenging for the leader if they open up a big enough lead and someone clear in the back wrecks. There are plenty of obstacles that must be overcome to ultimately come away with a victory in overtime. That’s racing, and that’s what makes NASCAR one of the most exciting sports around when the laps are ticking down.