NASCAR moves overtime line to start-finish

Beginning this weekend at Watkins Glen International, the start-finish line of each racetrack will serve as the overtime line. The change comes after much discussion within the sport about the placement of the overtime line (typically entering Turn 3 on oval tracks) as well as when a caution has been thrown.

Two recent races – the Xfinity Series race at Daytona and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Indianapolis (pictured) – highlighted the issue. Both events were considered controversial to some since it appeared the caution – which ended the race – was called only after the leaders had reached the line.

"NASCAR has been looking at the Overtime procedure for quite some time," said NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer Steve O'Donnell in a statement. "After many discussions with key figures throughout the industry, we recognize that having the start-finish line serve as the standard Overtime Line position will benefit the race – and, most importantly, our fans. We are implementing this immediately, starting with this weekend's races at Watkins Glen International."

Should a race go into overtime, it will be deemed official if another caution comes out after drivers have completed a green flag lap and crossed the overtime line. However, if the caution is waved and the field has not crossed the overtime line, another restart will take place.