Several rules have changed for the 2018 season
Below is a master list of NASCAR rules updates. The two lists highlight changes to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series as well as the NASCAR Track Series
MENCS
Ride height
The ride height rule has been removed at superspeedways. This rule or lack there of was already in effect for short tracks, intermediate tracks and road courses.
Incident data
Teams will be required to install high-speed cameras in the cockpit. These cameras will be aimed in the direction of a driver. In the case of a crash, the footage will be reviewed.
In addition, new data recovery systems will be added.
These are just there to help NASCAR make the cars safer down the road. They will collect the data and make changes on future designs.
Radiator, oil cooler, splitter
NASCAR has now mandated the radiator, oil cooler and splitter. These three items will be common across the board. Every team in the NASCAR Cup Series garage will have the same design.
All of these things were introduced to reduced downforce. In recent years, NASCAR has taken downforce off the top of the cars. Teams have figured out ways of getting that back by working on the under side of the car. This will take some of that away.
Related: 2018 splitter announcement
Rosters
Teams will now have a set roster for crew members and personnel. These crew members will feature numbers on their fire suits or shirts.
Note: If a crew member jumps over the wall who is not on the roster then he will have his hard card removed by NASCAR for that weekend. In addition, they will also remove the hard card of the person who was suppose to fill his position. Essentially, they will both be ejected.
Only 12 crew members will be allowed for each car. 3-4 additional members for organizational purposes will be allowed, based on how many cars they bring to the track.
Related: NASCAR pit stop rules updated – Team rosters introduced
Over the wall
Only 5 crew members will be allowed over the wall during pit stops. Last year, the number was 6.
The fuel guy is only allowed to fill the fuel tank. He cannot make chassis adjustments or touch any tires.
A sixth member may jump to wall to assist the driver in multiple ways including water bottles and/or windshield tear-offs.
5 minute clock
During the 5 min clock, the over the wall member holding the driver assist position may assist in repairs.
NASCAR Truck Series
Spec engine
A spec engine is now optional in the NASCAR Truck Series. The NT1 engine is the same engine that’s used in the ARCA Racing Series.
Note: Teams that use a spec engine will be allowed to run any body package of their choosing. The NT1 engine can be paired with a Chevy, Ford or Toyota body. They will also be allowed to run multiple body styles at different tracks throughout the season. (Ex. Ford body at Daytona – Toyota body at Bristol)
At least one team will do that. Jordan Anderson Racing has purchased Toyotas and Fords. In addition, they have their Chevrolet from last season. They have plans to use all 3, with the same spec engine.
Inspection system
The hawk-eye inspection system will be introduced across the board at NASCAR tracks in 2018. It was tested for non-playoff drivers in 2017. This year it will be in use for all teams.
The new system features 17 cameras. It’s an alternative to the template and LIS system. Now, NASCAR can scan the entire car instead of just one section.
Related: New NASCAR inspection process (VIDEO)
