NASCAR clarifies DVP, allowing drivers to exit car in garage

The 2025 season will have a new NASCAR DVP rule. The Damaged Vehicle Policy caused a few controversies late in the year. Now, officials have changed things around to allow teams to remain in the race despite damage to their cars.

During the NASCAR Playoffs in 2024, there were a few moments that had fans in an uproar and even a few drivers. Ryan Blaney was carted off the track during a Lap 1 wreck at Watkins Glen. A playoff race, it could have been consequential for Blaney and his team.

Following that incident was a Lap 1 spin by Josh Berry at Kansas. Berry was not in the playoffs but appeared to only have four flat tires. The Next Gen car is notorious for being difficult to drive with flats. Berry was taken out of the race despite no real damage to the car.

Finally, at the Talladega playoff race, a number of cars were towed to pit road, despite NASCAR saying that was not their policy.

Today, during a media briefing, NASCAR addressed the new rules. Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut shared the changes noted by the series.

“The order that beached cars on flat tires or with damage receive towing in the case of a multi-car crash it up to track crew discretion. Driver only goes to infield care [center] for a crash if the car is deemed a DNF. Driver can climb out of car while work is being done.”

The order that beached cars on flat tires or with damage receive towing in the case of a multi-car crash is up to track crew discretion

Driver only goes to infield care for a crash if the car is deemed a DNF. Driver can climb out of car while work is being done.

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) January 27, 2025

This new NASCAR DVP rule will let teams stay in races longer. Instead of getting some flat tires and being a DNF, drivers can fight to get back in the race. Let these skilled pit crews and garage crews go to work.

NASCAR DVP rule will add strategy to races

We have seen in recent years how just a handful of points can make or break a season. Being able to stay in a race, even if it is multiple laps down, is valuable. Any time we can create a race within the race, it is a good thing.

Watching drivers battle for stage points is great. Seeing the battle for the lucky dog adds a new layer to the overall race. Potentially having a large wreck and multiple cars multiple laps down creates another race within the race.

The NASCAR DVP was flawed. It still might have issues. But with the changes for 2025, I do think teams and drivers will be much happier with the results. Anything that keeps cars and drivers on the track is fine by me.