10 Weird NASCAR Rules from the Past That Make No Sense Today

NASCAR has evolved significantly over the years, as have its rules—though not all of them made much sense to begin with. Some of the old regulations appeared strange, confusing, or simply funny when viewed through today's lens.

Tricia Quitales
April 15, 2025
3 min read

10 Weird NASCAR Rules from the Past That Make No Sense Today — Alfred GF on Pexels

NASCAR’s long history includes some truly bizarre rules that appeared normal at the time but feel completely out of place now. From unusual penalties to unusual race scoring methods, these old policies contribute to the sport’s wild and colorful legacy. Even though many of these rules have been dropped or updated, they continue to make for compelling stories. In this article, we’ll look at 10 strange NASCAR rules from the past that would make modern fans scratch their heads.

1. Drivers Could Swap Cars Mid-Race

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In the beginning, if your car broke down, you could simply hop into a teammate’s car and continue racing. It didn’t matter who finished, as long as the car crossed the finish line. Can you imagine this happening in a race today?

2. Races Were Sometimes Scored by Hand

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Before electronic timing, people used stopwatches and pencils to track laps. Mistakes occurred frequently, and some results were “corrected” following the race. It sounds crazy now, but it was the only way back then.

3. You May Lose Laps for “Rough Driving”

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Instead of black flagging someone or imposing a time penalty, NASCAR used to simply take away laps. This harsh punishment often confused fans, but today, it is handled much more clearly.

4. No Speed Limit on Pit Road (Until the 1990s)

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Before the 1990s, drivers could fly into pit road at high speeds. It resulted in several dangerous accidents and close calls involving pit crews. It took too long for NASCAR to recognize that this rule needed to be changed.

5. Backup Cars Weren’t Allowed

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If your car wrecked before the race began, you were eliminated. Teams did not bring backup vehicles, and there were no do-overs, making qualifying significantly riskier than it is today.

6. Points Were Once Based on Miles, Not Position

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In the 1950s, points were awarded based on how many miles a driver completed rather than their finishing position. That means longer races awarded more points, even if you did not win. It did not reward winning in the way that fans expect today.

7. You Had to Bring Your Own Gas Can

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Teams were required to bring their own refueling equipment, and not all gas cans were the same size. Some even leaked or started fires. NASCAR eventually standardized them for safety purposes.

8. The “Lap Down” Cars Started Up Front on Restart

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Cars that were a lap or more behind the leaders used to line up ahead of them during restarts. It caused chaos and frequently ruined the race for those ahead. It’s the inverse of how restarts work today.

9. Drivers Could Race Without a Spotter

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Spotters were not always required, so drivers often had no idea what was going on around them. This resulted in wrecks and confusion along the track. Today, spotters are essential for safety.

10. You Can Race Barefoot (Really)

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There were no rules regarding racing shoes, so some drivers raced barefoot or in socks. It sounds ridiculous now, but comfort was king back then. Safety standards have improved significantly since those wild days.