Over the weekend at Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR implemented the Choose Cone Rule for all three of its national series. How the rule works is that there is an orange cone marker just past the start/finish line painted on the track. Drivers have to choose either the left lane or the right lane. If they hit the orange cone, then they have to restart at the tail end of the lead lap.
The Choose Cone Rule is widely popular among racing fans, especially at non-NASCAR short tracks. It adds a little more excitement to the race. It also adds a little bit of strategy for the drivers, crew chiefs, and spotters. As we saw over the weekend, several drivers took a gamble to improve their positions, including Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, and Denny Hamlin, all three drivers ended up leading several laps. Had the Choose Cone Rule not be in place, those drivers would’ve restarted in their current positions they held on the track.
The rule received a mixed reaction from the drivers themselves. Kevin Harvick, who swept the doubleheader weekend at Michigan, told NBC Sports writer Daniel McFadin “Definitely a lot to think about right there and definitely some processes that you have to go through, but you can take a chance and gain some track position. So I thought it went well and did exactly what everybody thought it would do.” On the other hand, Brad Keselowski had mixed feelings telling Daniel McFadin, “There were parts I liked, and there were parts I didn’t like. I thought at the front; it seemed to be a little fun, something kind of different. It’s one of those things where I think it’s just ‑‑ when you eat chocolate you want vanilla sometimes; it felt different and different was kind of fun. There was other parts where I was kind of a little questioning about it. Overall I’m kind of neutral on it.” Other drivers made it clear how they felt as heard on their in-car radios laced with expletives.
I enjoyed the Choose Cone Rule. I think it can work long-term and adds more to the races. It’s like a game of chess; you either play it safe or gamble to try to win the race. This rule did take some time to get used to, and I’m sure NASCAR will continue to tweak where the orange cone should be placed.
The marker is not clearly visible to the drivers, so the spotter plays a vital role, not only with coming up on the marker but also calculating the best lane for their driver to pick. I see why a lot of short track fans like the rule and the potential it has for every race. By allowing drivers to choose their lane, I think you will see the racing improve. Now, if they would only get rid of the playoff, stage races, and the cars, NASCAR would be in a better position than they are now.
What do you think of the Choose Cone Rule? Do you think they should keep the rule or get rid of it? Leave a comment down below or comment on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Parler.
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