NASCAR pushes back on bump-drafting

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Less than two hours before the start of Sunday’s race, NASCAR laid out some new rules.

Bump-drafting – two cars locking bumpers to increase speed and pass opponents – will not be permitted in any of the four turns on Sunday.

Penalties for infractions would be harsh. Mike Helton, the NASCAR president, said a victory could be denied if officials determine the race winner uses the technique on the last lap of the race.

“We will not allow doubling-up, pushing, locked-up, bump-drafting, or whatever you call it, in the turns. You will not be allowed to push someone through the turns,” Helton said.

“Even on the last lap, coming through (Turns 3 and 4), you’re not going to be able to push a guy or lock up in a two-car tandem like we’ve seen in practice.”

Helton said NASCAR could adjust the finishing order after the race, if necessary. “We’ve got 2.6 miles to get the word to them,” he said.

Helton said a first offense during the race would likely result in a pass-through penalty. Officials would use their discretion after that.

Drivers Juan Pablo Montoya, Jeff Gordon, Michael Waltrip and Elliott Sadler raised questions. Montoya wanted to be sure the last-lap aspect of the change would be enforced.

Helton indicated that the second driver in a two-car tandem would catch the penalty in most instances.

“But if you win the race by drafting through (Turns) 1 and 2 with help, then you’re going to have a problem and the guy who pushed you is going to have a problem, too,” he said.