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Although the NASCAR rulebook calls it the "Beneficiary Rule", it is known to most people as the "lucky dog". This expression probably comes from the TV announcers. When the free pass rule was first implemented in September of 2003, they would make comments such as: "What a lucky dog!" (referring to the recipient of the beneficiary rule).

But, what is this rule? The simple explanation is that it allows the driver in the race that is a lap down, to get back onto the lead lap in case of a yellow flag (caution).

In order to understand the rule fully, let's take a little trip backwards in NASCAR history and explain how drivers used to get a lap back (for those who don't follow this sport):

During a race it is normal for cars to get overtaken by the leader of the race. This is mathematically unavoidable due to the amount of hundreds of miles run on a track usually less than two and a half miles long.

The old way used to be that in the event of a yellow flag or caution (slowing the race down to a minimum speed and allowing no advancement of position after the yellow flag comes out) the cars off the lead lap would race the leader back to the start/finish line. This created additional havoc and safety concerns on the track, especially if the cause of the caution flag was an accident on the track.

With the lucky dog rule, the first person that is not on the lead lap gets back on the lead lap, to line up at the tail end of the lead lap for the restart after the race goes back to green (gets resumed).

Of course there is more to it than that. It is no coincidence the NASCAR rulebook is as thick as the New York City phone book and growing at the same rate as its inhabitants seem to.

A driver cannot get back on the lead lap if any of the following apply:

* The driver that is the first person a lap down causes the yellow flag (for example he spins out and can't get his car back over the start/finish line).

* The driver that is off the lead lap is behind because of a NASCAR penalty (usually handed out for rough driving).

* The race has ten or less laps left.

The reason cars are so determined to get back on the lead lap is that it makes the difference where they line up for the restart, and it gives them back track position. Track position is so important in NASCAR and many times drivers that are recipients of the beneficiary rule will go on to win the race. They are lucky dogs indeed.

Learn more about this author, Alexandra Heep.
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