As two Sprint Cup cars running at the speed limit of a two-lane highway approach a designated zone that varies in length from about 60 to 110 feet, a frenzied dance begins. The leader of a restart is in control, and he can stomp the accelerator at any point within two painted lines on the outside wall. The second-place car alongside must keep pace but also allow the leader to cross the finish line first. It sounds simple, but restarts have become among the most complex procedures to administer in NASCARs premier series. NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said Saturday that changes to restart procedures will be revealed during Sundays drivers meeting. While its unlikely there would be an abolition of the action-inducing double-file restarts, which were added four years ago because of heavy support from a fan council, NASCAR could eliminate the zones and allow the flagman to determine the restart. Another choice might be putting the leader in a separate row and putting the field behind in side-by-side formation.( USA Today )(9-15-2013) UPDATE: Changes were announced Sunday morning during the drivers meeting. The restart zone will remain in place and the leader will still control the start within the zone. Once the leader accelerates, the green flag will fly (within the restart zone). The flagman will throw the green if the leaders get to the end of the restart zone and the cars have not accelerated. HOWEVER, once leader goes (or the flag flies), the leader can be passed by the second place car before the start/finish line. Drivers are still not allowed to change lanes before the start. If the second place driver jumps the restart, they will be black flagged.
