Double-file Restart

A Double-file Restart is a procedure in motorsports where cars line up in two parallel rows (side-by-side) when resuming a race after a caution period, rather than in a single-file line.

When a caution flag appears due to an accident or debris, the race is temporarily paused. Before restarting, cars arrange themselves in a double-file formation with the leader choosing either the inside or outside lane. The second-place car takes the other front-row position, with remaining cars lining up two-by-two behind them.

Introduced to NASCAR in 2009 and later adopted by other series, double-file restarts create more exciting racing moments by increasing overtaking opportunities and allowing for more wheel-to-wheel action when the green flag waves to resume racing.