Last year, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain caused quite a stir when he set a lap record by moving up five places in the final turn of the Xfinity 500, using a real-life version of wallriding that he had apparently learned on his GameCube (open in new tab) back in 2005. And today, NASCAR (via Kotaku (opens in new tab)) announced that no one should attempt something like this again.

"Chastain's dash through turns 3 and 4 at Martinsville Speedway last October was a mesmerizing finish that saw one Chevrolet gain five positions in one set of corners and score enough points to advance to the Championship 4 'It was a great day,' NASCAR said in a statement (open in new tab)." While the move was thrilling and much appreciated for its creativity, it also increased the safety risks."

The team's "new car is a great example of how to make the most out of the new car.

That is a valid point, and rather an understatement: NASCAR race cars are fast, and the average speed of the 2022 Xfinity 500 was 113.5 mph (182.7 km/h). Under NASCAR rules, a car must weigh at least 3,300 pounds (1,500 kg), which is heavier than the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door; under NASCAR rules, the car must weigh at least 3,300 pounds (500 kg), which is heavier than the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door.

Therefore, NASCAR said it does not need to create new rules to put the brakes on future occurrences, but only to enforce Rule 10.5.2.6.A, which already exists.

"Basically, if we see something that we believe compromises the safety of competitors, officials, or spectators, we're going to take it seriously," said Elton Sawyer, NASCAR's senior vice president of competition. Elton Sawyer, NASCAR's senior vice president of competition, said, "We're going to take it very seriously. Basically, at the end of the race, they will be given a lap penalty or a time penalty.

It was a bit surprising that NASCAR officials did not make this ruling the moment Chastain confessed to doing it on purpose, but it was such a bizarre (and, let's be honest, stupid) stunt that it is understandable if they were left paralyzed by shock and confusion. But even before the rules were clarified, it was highly unlikely that NASCAR's Cup drivers would suddenly start attempting ridiculous video-game-like maneuvers: after the race, Chastain said he had no intention of ever attempting a wall ride again.