Why should a team get an entire lap back just because there is some debris on the track?

Question

Is there a more unfair and just stupid rule in all of sports than the lucky dog rule? If so tell me what it is. I really dont think a team should get a lap back because nascar has to throw a caution to pick up a spring rubber or something. And then the caution lasts for what seems like an eternity which is a topic for another time. Its crazy and frustrating!

Answer 1

Lucky Dog rule sacrifices competition in the name of entertainment

In 2003, in an effort to increase safety for the drivers, NASCAR banned racing back to the yellow after the caution is displayed. While this has increased safety (safety crews are able to respond more quickly) the rule contains a special "Lucky Dog" provision which greatly sacrifices the integrity of the sport.

What is the Lucky Dog rule?

NASCAR's Lucky Dog rule states that the first driver one lap down automatically gets his lap back when the caution comes out.

Some clarifications and exceptions:

If the driver is a lap down because of a NASCAR penalty he is not eligible for the "Lucky Dog" pass.

Drivers who are a lap down because of mechanical problems are not eligible for the "Lucky Dog" until the leaders have lapped at least one car on the track.

The driver that causes the caution he is not eligible to receive the "Lucky Dog" pass during that yellow.

The "Lucky Dog" rule does not apply during the last ten laps of the race.

The "Lucky Dog" Rule was first used at Dover in September of 2003. One of the drivers to receive the "Lucky Dog" during that first race was Ryan Newman. Newman took full advantage of his free pass and went on to win the race.

Answer 2

Because Michael Waltrip was scared someone would hurt him racing back to the caution so NASCAR changed it.

Answer 3

Every driver has a piece of debris in the car, before the race starts... That's what nascar uses for the Phantom Cautions!!

Answer 4

I think it's a good rule...

It gives drivers a chance to get back n the race.

Answer 5

i my opinion the top 35 is the dumbest rule

lucky dog was done for safety

Answer 6

They put in the "lucky dog" as an early intervention.  I don't know about many of the people answering but I remember just a few years back them racing back to the yellow with Dale Jarret sitting spun out right in the middle of the track.  That is why the rule is in place so nobody gets hurt or killed by a needless race back to the yellow that they will most likely resolve after they go back to green.

Answer 7

I like the lucky dog rule rather than the old way of racing back to the line. I'm with the above answer about the top 35 rule needs to go. Top 20 maybe?

Answer 8

It's Much Safer Now...!!