Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NASCAR Ends Stages Early When Caution Under 10 Laps

8/7/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NASCAR will end Stage 1 or Stage 2 when a caution occurs with ten or fewer laps left, applying to the Cup, Xfinity (O’Reilly) and Truck Series at Iowa Speedway on Monday, August 10, 2026.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said the change answers fan complaints about long cautions after the Brickyard 400 and adds green-flag action.
When the caution ends the stage, the leader receives the chequered flag while top-10 order is set by timing.

History

Historical Context

In 2017 NASCAR split each race into three stages and added bonus points, a format first showcased when Kaz Grala won the Daytona Truck opener. Steve O'Donnell said the change was meant to make every position matter, and his August 10 2026 rule ending Stage 1 or 2 under caution with ten laps left extends that stage-racing approach.

1 of 2

Story summary

NASCAR will end Stage 1 or Stage 2 when a caution occurs with ten or fewer laps left, applying to the Cup, Xfinity (O’Reilly) and Truck Series at Iowa Speedway on Monday, August 10, 2026.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said the change answers fan complaints about long cautions after the Brickyard 400 and adds green-flag action.
When the caution ends the stage, the leader receives the chequered flag while top-10 order is set by timing.

1 / 2