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Lucky Dog
Race Procedures
The "Lucky Dog" is a NASCAR rule that allows the first driver who is one lap down to regain that lap when a caution flag is displayed.
Introduced in 2003 to improve safety, this rule prevents drivers from racing back to the start/finish line during cautions. When a yellow flag waves, the first car one lap behind the leader gets to pass the pace car and rejoin the lead lap, positioning at the tail end of the field.
For example, if a driver falls behind due to an unscheduled pit stop and becomes one lap down, they can get back on the lead lap via the Lucky Dog if a caution occurs. However, drivers who cause the caution or are down due to penalties are ineligible for this "free pass."