Impound Race

Impounding is used to discourage teams from investing time and money in developing setups solely for qualifying. When a car is impounded, if work is needed to be performed, the car is moved to the rear of the field for the start of the race. Otherwise, adjustments need to be made during the race, creating more on track activity that could make the race more interesting.

An impound race usually features two Friday practices and Saturday qualifying instead of the traditional Friday qualifying and Saturday practices.


Impound rules:

Following qualifying for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event, the cars will be escorted to their respective garage stalls by a NASCAR official (with the exception of the top five cars, which will be placed in a designated area for post-qualifying inspection). Once the car is pushed to the garage stall, only two crew members will be allowed to remain in the garage.

The following work list will be allowed:

1. Shut off electrical switches and master power switch
2. Remove radio
3. Check air pressure in tires
4. Cover the car
5. Crewmembers exit garage and garage doors close

Pit road selection will be immediately after the last car has qualified.

Procedure for race day for NASCAR Nextel Cup Series teams:

Garage Stall: A maximum of two crew members per car, accompanied by a NASCAR official, will be allowed in the garage stall. Below are the procedures that will be completed in the garage stall:

Teams may:

1. Plug in oil heater (if teams use a generator, it must remain outside the garage)
2. Open hood
3. Prime oil system
4. Back car out of garage to start
5. Turn master switch on
6. Open oil cooler bypass valve (optional)
7. Start engine
8. Close hood
9. Set tire pressure
10. Torque wheels
11. Install radio and water bottle
12. Remove or repair tape on front of car (i.e. grille, valance, brake ducts.)
13. If applicable, BST or Pi Research may replace equipment batteries under NASCAR supervision.

Teams may not:

1. Enter the garage without a NASCAR official present
2. Jack up any part of the car
3. Add water or pressurize the cooling system
4. Climb inside the car
5. Adjust wedge bolts, shocks or sway bars
6. Add fuel, oil or brake fluid
7. Remove air box
8. Adjust fenders, spoiler or any body components.

Fuel pumps: A maximum of three crewmembers per car at any time, escorted by NASCAR officials, may go to the fuel pumps. For tracks 1 mile and under, a maximum of two gallons of fuel will be added. For tracks 1½ miles, a maximum of three gallons of fuel will be added. For tracks above 1½ miles, a maximum of four gallons of fuel will be added.

Height platform: A maximum of three crewmembers per car at any time, accompanied by NASCAR officials, may escort the respective car to the height platform.

Teams may:

1. Adjust front and rear wedge bolts: A maximum of one turn for front bolts. A maximum of 1½ turns for rear bolts.
2. Adjust track bar at frame end adjuster. No maximum on track bar adjustment.
3. Adjust external shock bleeds.

Teams may not:

1. Change any components.
2. Add spring inserts.

Scales: A maximum of three crewmembers per car at any time, accompanied by NASCAR officials, may escort the respective car to the scales. Any car that does not meet required weight specifications may be subject to penalty. After completion, the generator will be reconnected to the car and pushed to pit road. Generators will be permitted out on pit road with the car.

Source: NASCAR