rec.autos.simulators

Thanks to all those kind people who posted messages and emails in
reply to my post of about a week ago. You helped a Nascar newbie enjoy
what was already a great race even more. Are these races always so
close ?

One quick question - after some of the accidents which brought out
caution flags, the lead drivers were shown in their cars waving their
arms to let racers behind know that there was trouble ahead. The
drivers behind didn't try to pass, which is in marked contrast to the
game where all the cars race to the line when a caution flag comes
out. In real life, are drivers actually allowed to pass before they
cross the line for the first time after a yellow - or is this
something peculiar to the game ?

Thanks in advance

Randy

In terms of the proximity between first and second, it's not too
uncommon.  In terms of the proximity of the top 10-15 overall, no, unless
it's on a restrictor plate superspeedway.

Drivers haven't generally done so for the past several years, although
the rule book still allows for it.  In the most obvious example, racing
to the line once the yellow is thrown is blamed for ending Bobby
Allison's career.  

Earl

In Winston Cup competition they are allowed to race back to the yellow flag,
but they usually play it safe and do not.  They refer to it as a "gentlemen's
agreement."  If it was close to the end of the race you can bet they would
drive their hardest.

Later,
Matt

Mike