After numerous complaints about the length of caution flags in races, NASCAR has made a big change to how cautions are handled near the end of the first two stages.
If the caution flag flies in the last 10 laps of the first two stages, that caution will also signal the end of the stage. Stages two and three will end on the original scheduled laps. (For example: if a race is scheduled for stages to end on 80, 165, and 267 and the caution flag comes out for a wreck on lap 77, then stage two will be 88 laps instead of 85 laps.)
When a caution flag comes out in the last 10 laps; when the leader crosses the start/finish line, they will receive the yellow and green and whilte checkered flag as the stage winner.
NASCAR will use timing loops, video replay, and any other available service to determine the finishing order.
Set to begin this weekend at Iowa Speedway, NASCAR will use the updated caution flag system for the end of the stages for the remainder of the season in the Cup Series.