New double-file restart rule announced

Pendleton, Ind. (November 26, 2003) - In a continuing effort to provide for the fans and competitors the most exciting, yet safe form of racing possible, the 2004 ASA Racing Series and the companion ASA Late Model Series will utilize a pair of new procedural rules in competition.

For the first time in its history, the American Speed Association will incorporate double-file restarts to its events. The double file aspect has always been in effect at the start of an ASA event, but beginning with the 2004 season that will apply also to restarts.

The newly applied restart rule states that when the field is shown one lap to go before returning to green-flag conditions and reaches a designated point announced at the drivers', crew chiefs' and/or spotters' meeting(s), drivers will elect to move to the inside file or outside file for the restart of the race and will close the gap to the car immediately in front of them.

Drivers may not advance until their car reaches the designated location. A driver who does not advance immediately will remain in line when they are at the time of reaching the designated location. It is the responsibility of the designated race leader to maintain the speed of the pace vehicle until the nose of his/her car reaches the restart line.

Most observers believe that early use of a similar restart rule can be traced to the Central Wisconsin Racing Association, a late model stock car series from the Badger state. A variation of the rule has been instituted in all of the divisions that compete at The Dirt Track at Lowe's Motor Speedway in North Carolina.

"The fans here really get into," said Roger Slack, Event Supervisor Short Track Racing. "Our announcer really makes a big deal of it and the fans respond in kind. As he speaks, the cars have to very clearly go to the bottom or the top of the track. The first few usually go to the bottom and then it's a case of look out. ASA might get different looks as they visit different racing surfaces where ours is obviously constant."

ASA President/CEO Steve Dale initially introduced the new restart procedure during a mid November appearance on SPEED Channel's program, Wind Tunnel.

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