NASCAR Corrects Phoenix Raceway Restart Zone Error After Truck Series Championship Criticism

Embarrassing track error during Truck Series championship fixed overnight, as NASCAR repaints the incorrectly placed restart zone amid criticism and ongoing discussions about the organization's officiating standards.

• The error on the Phoenix Raceway surface painted the restart zone 50 feet in the wrong place for the Truck Series championship, leading to criticism from top Cup Series drivers.
• The Truck Series championship was won by Christian Eckes in four overtimes while Ben Rhodes secured his second Truck Series championship.
• Despite being aware of the restart zone being in the wrong spot, NASCAR decided not to move it before the race but fixed the mistake by repainting it overnight for the races on Saturday.
• The erroneous placement of the restart zone led to the Truck Series championship race extending 29 laps past the scheduled distance, with four overtimes caused by constant crashes in the field.
• NASCAR's chief operating officer Steve O'Donnell acknowledged the criticisms of officiating standards, stating the officials' integrity and commitment to addressing and correcting mistakes make them on par with any sport in the world.

3 Articles

ESPN Washington Post Associated Press