NASCAR: Series clarifies lugnut rule

Effective immediately, NASCAR teams across all three national tours will be required to fasten all five lugnuts thanks to a rules update issued on Monday.

"NASCAR has been closely monitoring the aggressive strategies on pit road," NASCAR senior vice president of competition Scott Miller said in a statement. "Safety is an area we do not take lightly, as our record has clearly indicated. It's important for us to have a system in place immediately for addressing lug nut installation, while we also work alongside the industry to develop the best long-term solution."

The change essentially allows NASCAR to inspect for compliance at any time during an event. If an infraction is found pre-race, it will count as an unapproved adjustment and the team will have to start at the tail end of the field. Additionally, the team must make an immediate correction.

Tires intended for race use without all five lugnuts glued to the wheel will result in a written warning and must be corrected immediately. If found post-race, the first offense is a minimum $20,000 fine and one-race suspension and probation for the crew chief.

Multiple offenses will result in escalated penalties.

Penalties are as follows for NASCAR Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series teams.

NXS: Post-race (P3 penalty) First offense: minimum of $10,000 fine, crew chief suspension for one race and probation.

NCWTS: Post-race (P3 penalty) First offense: minimum of $5,000 fine, crew chief suspension for one race and probation.

The change was made five days after three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart

was fined $35,000

NASCAR told USA Today that Stewart's penalty will not be rescinded.