NASCAR Announces Update to Concussion Protocol

NASCAR announced tweaks to the concussion protocol that goes into effect starting this weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

The biggest change is in regard to drivers that are required to visit the infield care center. If a driver who sustained damage to the car from an accident or contact goes to the garage, and thus retire from the race, he/she must proceed to the care center for evaluation. This previously was only mandatory for drivers who couldn’t drive their cars back.

Two other additions made were to diagnostics testing for concussions and on-site neurologists.

Care center’s will now use the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-3) diagnostics test to do clinical assessments for concussions.

American Medical Response (AMR) will have a neurologist on-sit at select NASCAR events during this season to continue development of the concussion protocol.

Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations, said the sanctioning body is working “closely with the industry to ensure our concussion protocol reflects emerging best practices in this rapidly developing area of sports medicine. We will continue to utilize relationships we’ve had for years with leaders in the neurological research field who helped to shape these updates.”

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SpeedwayMedia.com

Tucker White
Tucker White
I've followed NASCAR for well over 20 years of my life, both as a fan and now as a member of the media. As of 2024, I'm on my ninth season as a traveling NASCAR beat writer. For all its flaws and dumb moments, NASCAR at its best produces some of the best action you'll ever see in the sport of auto racing. Case in point: Kyle Larson's threading the needle pass at Darlington Raceway on May 9, 2021. On used-up tires, racing on a worn surface and an aero package that put his car on the razor's edge of control, Larson demonstrated why he's a generational talent. Those are the stories I want to capture and break down. In addition to NASCAR, I also follow IndyCar and Formula 1. As a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee, I'm a diehard Tennessee Volunteers fan (especially in regards to Tennessee football). If covering NASCAR doesn't kill me, down the road, watching Tennessee football will. I'm also a diehard fan of the Atlanta Braves, and I lived long enough to see them win a World Series for the first time since 1995 (when I was just a year old). I've also sworn my fan allegiance to the Nashville Predators, though that's not paid out as much as the Braves. Furthermore, as a massive sports dork, I follow the NFL on a weekly basis. Though it's more out of an obligation than genuine passion (for sports dorks, following the NFL is basically an unwritten rule). Outside of sports, I'm a major cinema buff and a weeb. My favorite film is "Blazing Saddles" and my favorite anime is "Black Lagoon."

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

RacingJunk.com and Leaf Racewear Safety Equipment Giveaway

Latest articles

Toni Breidinger joins TRICON Garage for first full-time Truck campaign in 2025

The 25-year-old Breidinger from San Francisco, California, will pilot the No. 5 Toyota entry for TRICON Garage for her first full-time Truck Series campaign in 2025.

Canada’s Go-To Online Casinos for New Players on a Budget

If you’re just getting into the online casino world and want to keep things light on your wallet, you’re in luck! Canada’s casino scene...

FOURTH NHRA WORLD TITLE WORTH THE WAIT FOR TOP FUEL’S ANTRON BROWN

On a day that summed up just how incredible the competition is in the Top Fuel category, Antron Brown’s fourth world championship – and first as a team owner – came only after a remarkable run through a loaded field at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

Richard Childress Racing to Continue Multi-Year, Multi-Car Partnership with Titan Risk Solutions in 2025

Titan Risk Solutions will continue their multi-year, multi-car partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2025 with sponsorship in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Best New Zealand Online Casinos