New caution rules cause confusion in Busch race

Elwood · October 5, 2003

By STEVE BRISENDINE, AP Sports Writer

October 4, 2003

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- NASCAR tested its new safety rules Saturday -- and the grades were mixed after a confusing finish to the Busch series race at Kansas Speedway.

The Mr. Goodcents 300 finished under caution when Bobby Hamilton Jr. crashed in the last lap. The new rule prohibits racing back to the line -- drivers must slow down and hold position -- once a yellow flag has come out.

Although several drivers said they saw the caution flag between the third and fourth turns, others were uncertain as to when it came out and moved up in the final lap.

It took NASCAR about 30 minutes to sort things out -- although spokesman Jim Hunter admitted that the process was hit-or-miss.

``When we announced that we were going to do away with racing back to the yellow flag in the interest of safety, we also said it was going to be difficult to score, because we could not freeze the cars,'' Hunter said. ``Today was a classic example of that. We probably scored the cars halfway between (turns) 1 and 2, when our officials actually turned the caution lights on.''

Officials reviewed the last lap and awarded fourth place to Jason Keller, who slowed up when he saw the caution flag and crossed the finish line in 18th place.

``I'm glad they did the right thing today,'' Keller said. ``Whatever happens next week, I'm glad they did the right thing today.''

Hunter said he did not foresee wholesale changes when the results are made official on Monday -- ``possibly one position, or a couple.''

Hunter said NASCAR was reviewing two options to fine-tune the system -- either electronically dividing a track into quadrants or using global positioning technology to determine exactly where a car is when a caution light comes on.

Neither option would likely be available before next year, Hunter said.

Although several drivers said they saw the caution flag between the third and fourth turns, others were uncertain as to when it came out and moved up in the final lap.

Yeah, I bet. We all know the most of them probably saw it and thought they could get away with it by saying they didn't see it; that's what racers do.

antig24 · October 6, 2003

I think that cup/bgn should go to a green, white, checkers like in the trucks so then if the caution does come out on the last lap the race doesn't stop with the caution flag.

k1500chevy97 · October 6, 2003

yep , bound to cause confusion when u r not used to it

Elwood · October 6, 2003

I think that cup/bgn should go to a green, white, checkers like in the trucks so then if the caution does come out on the last lap the race doesn't stop with the caution flag.

MountaineerTom · October 6, 2003

I think that cup/bgn should go to a green, white, checkers like in the trucks so then if the caution does come out on the last lap the race doesn't stop with the caution flag.