Nationwide series goes to double-file restarts

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Nationwide series will emulate the top NASCAR circuit by using double-file restarts with the leaders at the front throughout races, beginning with the event at Daytona International Speedway on July 3.

Just as the Sprint Cup series has moved away from having lapped cars next to the lead cars on restarts, the Nationwide drivers will line up according to the standings for restarts.

Double-file restarts were introduced at the non-points NASCAR Sprint all-star race in May and the change was fully instituted for the Sprint Cup Series earlier this month at Pocono Raceway.

“Since NASCAR made the decision to implement the double-file restarts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series a few weeks ago, it’s been a huge hit with fans and competitors alike,” Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig said. “Race fans have seen firsthand the thrilling racing that double-file restarts produce at Daytona International Speedway in the Budweiser Shootout, and we’re glad to see these restart procedures will now be instituted in the NASCAR Nationwide series, beginning with next week’s (race) at Daytona.”