NASCAR to abolish impound rules

Impound races in the Nextel Cup Series – at least the model that was used this season – are on their way out. "The impound rules are under review," said NASCAR vice president of corporate communication Jim Hunter. "It is safe to say there will be significant changes to the impound model that we rolled out this season."

The impound rules were implemented in Cup during a majority of race weekends this season.

The sudden about-face on impound weekends appears to be directly related to the ongoing negotiations between NASCAR and its TV partners, as well as several tracks, sources said.

NASCAR's current TV deal expires at the conclusion of next season and it has been in negotiations with several partners – Fox, TNT and ESPN – on a new deal. The TV networks, particularly ESPN, have indicated a desire for an increase in on-track activity that could be broadcast, sources said. ThatsRacin.com