[h=2]NASCAR begins engine rule updates for 2018[/h] Thursday, 07 September 2017


By Kelly Crandall / Image by Rusty Jarrett/LAT




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Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams will work with new engine rules beginning next season.

In a bulletin sent out Thursday, NASCAR highlighted the areas where it has begun updating its rule book for the 2018 season. The full 2018 rules package for all three NASCAR national series is expected to be announced in October.
Among the standout points for the Cup Series: A driver who goes to a backup car at any point during the weekend will start at the rear of the field in the race. Currently, a driver can maintain his or her starting position if the car presented for the race is the same in which they qualified.
Engine item highlights:

• All backup cars must unload off the hauler without an engine installed. For instance, this was done in three races this season – Pocono, Watkins Glen and the upcoming Martinsville race. It will be mandatory for all events next season. If a backup car is unloaded with an engine, that engine will not be eligible to be run in the race and will be impounded by NASCAR.
• The single-engine rule will now include the Daytona 500, i.e. teams will no longer be allowed to change engines following the Duel qualifying races and before the Daytona 500. The same engine must be used throughout Speedweeks.
• Teams must compete in a minimum of 13 point races with a short block sealed engine (engine block, crankshaft, camshaft, connecting rods and pistons).
• Teams must compete with a long block sealed engine (engine block, crankshaft, camshaft, connecting rods, pistons, oil pan, cylinder heads and valves) at The Clash in Daytona and the All-Star Race at Charlotte.