‘WWF Shenanigans’ – NASCAR’s Bizarre All-Star Race Rule Leaves Ross Chastain & Co. Fuming

The NASCAR All-Star race weekend is less than a month away, and the sport has recently revealed all the changes that are coming our way. While most changes have been welcome, one particular aspect has left many scratching their heads.

The addition of a “Promoters’ Caution” to the grand spectacle has left many baffled, with questions arising over its usability and what good it would bring to the race. Even those belonging to the NASCAR world are raising questions, as the likes of Ross Chastain are far from happy with the inclusion.

NASCAR Faces Questions From Its Own Realm After Promoters’ Caution Inclusion

Understanding the caution is simple- between laps 101 and 220 of the 250-lap race, a voluntary caution can be called to bring the pack back together and let racing resume with the drivers bunched up. Given all manufacturers will have equal representation on the field, the caution could make for a strategic advantage for at least one team.

However, if a natural caution occurs after lap 200, the Promoters’ Caution will no longer be of use.

While the overview of the voluntary caution is simple, several details around it remain unclear. For example, it is unknown who would be responsible for calling the caution and under what circumstances it can be called. Additionally, the duration of voluntary caution remains unknown.

Jeff Gluck of The Athletic raised similar questions on X, which led to NASCAR’s online community facing backlash.

NASCAR TV presenter Jamie Little detailed that Ross Chastain had recently shared a hot take on the caution while he was live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The No. 1 driver said that Speedway LLC’s CEO, Marcus Smith, should be in the flag stand and wave the caution flags himself.

@RossChastain just said on @SiriusXMNASCAR that Marcus should be in the flag stand in his suit jacket, and wave it himself. 🤣

— Jamie Little (@JamieLittleTV) April 23, 2025

Meanwhile, one user claimed that such a rule wouldn’t be needed if the race took place at another venue as another called the ruling as adding to the sport’s “WWF shenanigans.”

You probably saw the All-Star Race format has a new “promoter’s caution” that can be thrown (or not!) to spice it up. I’d like to know who exactly decides it and how. I’m picturing Marcus Smith in the tower going “OK…now!” Or NASCAR officials hit the button when they’re bored?

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) April 23, 2025

Apart from the caution ruling, the race will also see several more changes, ranging from equal manufacturer representation to additional laps.

While last year’s race ran for 200 laps, this year’s outing will feature 50 additional laps, making it a 250-lap event. Moreover, the winner will be adjudged on the basis of the least combined finishing number rather than the first driver to cross the line.

In case of a tie, the car that crosses the finish line first will determine the overall winner.

Additionally, the qualifying session will also be different from what the NASCAR world is used to, given that each run will last three laps and will include a pit stop to make things more interesting.