The "Jeff Burton Rule"

[Elwood]

RJR tinkered slightly with the format.

 

The 90-lap race will still follow the ``Survival of the Fastest'' format that was introduced last year, and cuts cars from the field after the first two segments of 40 laps and 30 laps.

 

This year, 20 drivers will advance to the second segment and 14 will go to the final shootout.

 

Officials also implemented the ``Jeff Burton Rule'' during the first segment, saying a driver has to pit for four tires under green, and the stop must be completed before the final lap. Last year, Burton pitted on the last lap and made up a number of positions because he didn't have to get back up to speed.

 

The Winston Open will be split into two segments of 20 and 10 laps. After the 20-lap segment, the field also will be pared down to 14 cars. The winner of that segment will advance on to the main event.

 

Last year, two drivers -- one from the Open and another from the No Bull 5 Sprint -- advanced to the main event. But the No Bull program has been eliminated by RJR.

[Shadowfax]

LOL they said last year after the Winston, a rules change would probably be made to keep what Burton did from happening again. Gotta admit though, the move was a sheer stroke of genious.

[Elwood]

I thought it was great.  I'm not a Burton or Rousch fan, but it was a great move.