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03/04/2011 |
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NASCAR
ANNOUNCES 2011 UPDATES FOR TOURING SERIES
Simplified Rookie
Rules, Race Procedure Changes To Take Effect |
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 NASCAR
announced today updates for the 2011 NASCAR regional
touring series, highlighted by changes to simplify
the rookie of the year award. Also announced were
two changes to race procedures, the elimination of
the post-qualifying redraw for starting position in
the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen
Southern Modified Tour, and a cost-saving spec-fuel
program for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Drivers will be eligible to compete for
Sunoco-sponsored rookie awards for the NASCAR K&N
Pro Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and NASCAR
Whelen Southern Modified Tour, and rookie awards for
the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series if they meet the
following criteria, as of the first race of their
respective season:
· The driver has not competed in more than seven
career races in the respective series
· The driver has not competed in more than three
separate seasons in the respective series
· A driver has not competed in more than three
career races in NASCAR’s national series
“The changes simplify the process for determining
rookie eligibility and brings the program in line
with how our Competition department evaluates
competitors,,” said George Silbermann, NASCAR
managing director of racing operations. “This makes
it easier for our fans, competitors and media to
follow, and maintains the competition for the awards
among drivers who can truly be classified as rookies
in their series.”
Rookies will continue to be scored in each race
against other rookies, and the rookie of the year
will be awarded to the driver who accumulates the
most rookie points in their respective series during
the season.
In addition, Sunoco’s sponsorship of the four
U.S.-based touring series was extended through 2019,
in conjunction with its sponsorship of the national
series rookie programs.
"We are thrilled to sponsor NASCAR's Rookie of the
Year. It supports rising young talent, promotes the
future of a great sport, and makes for exciting
racing as drivers compete for the title," said Bob
Owens, Sunoco's senior vice president of marketing.
For the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, NASCAR
Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern
Modified Tour, the Sunoco award will be paid out to
the top three drivers in the Sunoco Rookie of the
Year standings at the year-end awards banquet. Top
finishing rookies will be recognized for the
accomplishments at the following race.
Also announced are a pair of race procedures rules
changes that bring the touring series in line with
the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide
Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
· If a green-white-checkered finish is necessary, a
maximum three attempts will be made.
· On all restarts, passing will not be permitted
until the car reaches the start-finish line.
The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West opener at Phoenix
International Raceway last month and the NASCAR
Toyota All-Star Showdown in Irwindale, Calif., in
January, competed under the new guidelines.
Also, in an effort to help teams contain costs, the
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and long-time fuel
provider New England Race Fuels will utilize a spec
fuel – Sunoco Blue 112 leaded – for 13 of its 16
races. Competitors are not required to purchase the
fuel at the track, but are required to use the spec
fuel. For the three events held in conjunction with
NASCAR national-series events (New Hampshire Motor
Speedway in July and September, and Bristol Motor
Speedway in August), Sunoco GTX Unleaded will
continue to be used. |
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Source: Jason Christley /
NASCAR
Posted: March
4, 2011 |
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