Why so many caution laps?

Question

indy alawys seems to have more caution laps than necessary. nascar seems to get the race going much more quickly after a caution. i mean someone spins out in indy, and it's usually at least 5 laps, even if there is no debris on the track whatsoever. why? move the car off the track and get going already, it's ridiculous.

Answer 1

There have been many bad crashes in the past due to debris left on the track from previous crashes.  Also, I think it takes a little bit more to disturb a stock car rather than an open wheel car.  Those extra laps are just for precaution and I see nothing wrong with safety.

Answer 2

Carbon fiber is much harder to clean up. Unlike sheet metal, this stuff shatters everywhere, plus it is razor shape.

Answer 3

It used to be that the broadcast went with the "break in the action = go to commercial"  but now, they are on a timed schedule with the commercials.  Every 15-20 minutes unless there's a major development on the track (i.e. big crash or less than 10 laps to go)

The problem with that is that, even with the "side by side" thing they do, they missed out on a LOT of coverage by broadcasting during yellow flags instead of trying to stuff as many ads into the caution period as possible like they used to do....I'd argue that there were more ads shown during green flag racing this year....