Jan. 20, 2026, 3:06 p.m. ET
NASCAR has updated its rulebook ahead of the 2025 season, and several changes have occurred. Most notably, NASCAR has changed the waiver policy to reflect the new Chase format. In 2026, a suspension will no longer strip away a driver’s bonus points for the end of the regular season reset.
The sport has also created a “new OEM provisional” that guarantees Ram starting spots in the first three races of the season. This means Tony Stewart is locked into the NASCAR Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway, even if he doesn’t qualify for the event on speed.
NASCAR has also ruled that if a driver goes to the garage for the Damaged Vehicle Policy, they won’t be eligible to earn the point for the fastest lap. Finally, the sport has decreased the age limit in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series for tracks 1.25 miles or shorter and road courses from 18 to 17 years old.
The sport is ready to start the 2025 NASCAR season, and the new rules will begin to show their effects at Daytona International Speedway in February.
More: JR Motorsports announces schedule for No. 88 O’Reilly car in 2026Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!