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NASCAR to spice up show with introduction of 'overtime line'

NASCAR has announced a series of significant procedural changes for the 2016 season including an 'overtime line' in its controversial 'green/white/chequered' rule

The regulation allows for races to be extended past their scheduled distance if they are in danger of finishing under yellow.

Previously races were limited to three 'GWC' attempts and could still finish under yellow if a caution came out on the final lap.

Under what is now termed 'NASCAR overtime', if the leader passes the overtime line - the location of which will vary from track to track - on the first lap under green before a caution, it will be considered a complete green/white/chequered and a result taken.

If a caution comes out before the leader passes the overtime line on the first lap under green, it will not be considered a valid attempt, and another attempt will be made.

If necessary, multiple subsequent attempts will be made until a valid finish occurs. The procedure will be used in the Xfinity and Truck Series as well as the Sprint Cup.

Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage immediately expressed his approval of the change.

"Let's line them up and turn them loose, give them a chance to race through at least the first couple of turns and halfway down the backstretch before it's an official race finish," he said.

"And if they can't get that far before the yellow comes out, let's line them up again and again and again until it's a clean run.

"This is like trying to stuff 50 pounds of excitement into a 10-pound bag. How can any fan not like this?"

NASCAR has also adjusted its points system to reflect Cup fields being reduced from 43 to 40 cars under the new 'team charter' policy.

Race winners will now receive 40 points rather than the previous 43, with other scores adjusted accordingly.

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