Wave Around

A Wave Around is a NASCAR procedure that allows cars running one or more laps behind the leaders to get back on the same lap during a caution period by driving around the pace car.

When a caution flag comes out during a race, it means all cars must slow down and follow a pace car around the track. During this time, the race leaders often drive into the pits to get fresh tires, add fuel, or make adjustments to their cars. This creates an opportunity for lapped cars to improve their position.

Here's how the wave around works: After the leading cars go to pit road, officials signal the lapped cars to drive past the pace car and continue around the track. These cars then join the back of the group of cars that are on the lead lap. Essentially, they "wave around" the pace car to get back in better position.

The wave around is different from the "Lucky Dog" rule, which only helps one car get back on the lead lap. Multiple cars can benefit from a wave around during the same caution period. However, there's an important catch: cars taking the wave around cannot pit for fuel or tires during that caution period.

This rule exists to keep the fastest cars at the front of the field when racing resumes. Without the wave around, slower lapped cars would end up in front of the race leaders after pit stops, which wouldn't be fair to the cars that have been running the best.

Teams must make strategic decisions about taking the wave around. If a car is low on fuel or has worn tires, the driver might choose to pit instead of taking the wave around. The gamble is whether another caution will come out soon, giving them another chance to pit while staying competitive.