In times past when the yellow or caution flag was waved drivers were allowed to race back to the start/finish line where drivers who were a lap down could try and make up the lost lap. But after several dangerous situations NASCAR officials changed the rule.

Currently the rule states that once the caution flag is waved all drivers must immediately slow down to caution speed which is determined earlier by officials depending upon the size of the various tracks. This slower speed is also the speed drivers must maintain when entering and exiting pit road for service, fuel, and tires. Pit road and caution lap speeds usually run between 35 and 55 miles per hour; the smaller the track the slower the speed. When a driver can reach speeds of 190 to 200 miles per hour on the larger tracks, 55 seems like they're crawling.

To make up for the drivers who are down lap(s) because of wrecks or car troubles not being able to race back to the line, the NASCAR officials have instituted a new rule which has been nicknamed "the lucky dog" allowing one driver each caution flag to make up his lap by letting him go around and catching up to the tail end of the lead lap. The driver who is closest to lead lap cars - usually the first car one lap down - is the driver who receives the "luck dog" award. This is why that first position one lap down is so coveted by the drivers.

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