Double-file restarts essentially put all the cars on the lead-lap together and relegate the lap-down cars to the rear of the field. It’s something that’s been a long time coming and most drivers are happy about the change.
Prior to this, the cars, which were a lap or more down, would line up on the inside row. Once the green flag flew, those lead-lap cars that were high in the running order would have to fight for position. Many times, those cars that were not up to speed would impede the progress of those who were racing for position.
Now, it’s a whole new scenario.
With all the lead-lap cars restarting together, the drivers are well aware of whom they are racing. Every position counts. The cars that are a lap or more down are essentially racing each other for the Free Pass (Lucky Dog). One of the key choices that the leader must make is which row they should line up for the restart. NASCAR has allowed the leader to have his choice—one that could cause a dilemma if it goes the wrong way.
At Pocono, we saw the leader start on the outside row. That will probably hold true for many of the tracks. However, when we get to Bristol, Martinsville, New Hampshire and Richmond, the bottom lane will likely be the advantage—particularly in the latter stages of the race.
For my role as a spotter, there is some more work to be done prior to the restart. It’s basically my job to tell Matt which row he lines up in and whom he is behind. I have a real-time scoring monitor upstairs so that I can keep track of where we need to be.
The double-file restart procedure has already has made the racing more exciting and his added a new element of drama and strategy. It will be really interesting to see how it plays out during the rest of the season—especially next week on the road course of Infinion!
For more information about Mike visit www.mikecalinoff.com
