Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Licensing Requirements
All participants in NASCAR-sanctioned events must hold a valid NASCAR License appropriate to their role. License categories include Driver, Crew Chief, Car Owner, Crew Member (Over-the-Wall), Crew Member (Non-Over-the-Wall), Spotter, and Official. Licenses are issued annually and may be revoked or suspended for violations of the NASCAR Rule Book. Applicants must meet NASCAR's eligibility criteria, which may include age requirements (minimum age of 18 for Cup Series drivers), physical examination requirements, and a driving record review for drivers.
4.2 The Driver
Only one driver per car is permitted per event. The driver listed on the entry form is the only person authorized to operate the car in competition. Driver substitutions after the entry deadline require NASCAR approval and may affect the car's eligibility for points. A driver must remain in the car for the duration of the event except in cases of medical necessity, as determined by the NASCAR medical team. If a driver is removed for medical reasons, the car may continue with a relief driver, but no points are awarded to the relief driver, and the car's points position may be affected per NASCAR's rules on relief drivers.
4.3 Crew Chief
The Crew Chief is responsible for all competition decisions made by the team, including car setup, strategy, and the conduct of crew members. The Crew Chief is the primary point of contact between the team and NASCAR officials. The Crew Chief must hold a valid NASCAR Crew Chief license and is accountable for NASCAR Rule Book compliance of the entire team. Penalties assessed to a team for car infractions may be levied against the Crew Chief in addition to, or instead of, the driver or car owner.
4.4 Over-the-Wall Crew
During pit stops, a maximum of five (5) crew members are permitted over the pit wall to service the car. These five positions are: front tire changer, front tire carrier, rear tire changer, rear tire carrier, and jackman. With the Next Gen car's center-lock wheel system, the jackman role was retained, and teams may optionally use a fueler position, but the total over-the-wall count may not exceed five at any time. Additional crew members may work on the car only from the pit lane side of the pit wall (they may not step over or cross the pit wall into the pit stall area). All over-the-wall crew members must wear helmets and fire-resistant suits when performing pit stops.
4.5 Spotter
Each car must have a licensed Spotter positioned in the designated spotter stand at the track. The Spotter communicates with the driver via two-way radio throughout the event, providing information about track conditions, cautions, and the positions of other cars. Spotters are required to use NASCAR-designated radio frequencies and equipment. The Spotter must remain in the designated spotter area and may not communicate in a manner that violates NASCAR's Rules Book provisions regarding competitor communications.
4.6 NASCAR Race Control Officials
NASCAR Race Control, located in a control tower or designated area at the track, is responsible for the conduct of the event. Key NASCAR officials include:
- NASCAR Race Director: The senior official responsible for all on-track competition decisions, including issuing cautions, determining restart procedures, and assessing on-track penalties.
- NASCAR Technical Officials: Responsible for pre-race and post-race inspection of cars to ensure compliance with the Rule Book.
- NASCAR Scoring Officials: Responsible for maintaining the official scoring and timing of the event.
- NASCAR Series Director: Oversees series-level compliance and administrative matters.
NASCAR officials' decisions are final. Teams wishing to appeal certain penalties may do so through the NASCAR National Motorsports Appeal Panel process as outlined in the Rule Book.
4.7 Team Owner Responsibilities
The car owner listed on the NASCAR entry form is ultimately responsible for the car's compliance with the Rule Book at all times. Car owners must maintain their NASCAR License in good standing and ensure all team members operating under their entry are properly licensed. Violations attributable to the car may result in penalties assessed against the car owner, Crew Chief, and/or driver, at NASCAR's discretion.