DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR will require doctors in its medical care centers to conduct a Sports Concussion Assessment Test after crashes to determine whether the driver is eligible to return to the track.
NASCAR formerly relied on the assessment of doctors and paramedics to make that determination but now will have a more structured protocol with the test used in other racing leagues and sports.
The NASCAR Drivers Council pushed for more protocols after Matt DiBenedetto was not cleared to race at Texas Motor Speedway in November, when his explanation for how he acted after the crash was dismissed by doctors who believed he had a concussion. He was cleared a couple days later by a neurologist.
As part of the new protocol, NASCAR drivers will have to go to the care center after a crash, no matter if they drive to the garage. In the past, drivers who drove to the garage did not have to be evaluated in the medical center.
"I'm happy to hear it," seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson said. "We need something. The example is on the sidelines at an NFL game, if someone is in question [they get tested].
"I just hope they get it right. It's better to side on that [test]."
Dale Earnhardt Jr. also weighed in on his Twitter account.
This is a positive step toward protecting our drivers. Good to see progress being made and implemented. Health and safety is top priority. https://t.co/ERu118eCO0
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 17, 2017
The test assesses whether a patient is suffering from concussion-type symptoms. Team Penske's Will Power failed a SCAT test last year at St. Petersburg and was not allowed to race, but he found out later the symptoms -- severe enough that he couldn't race no matter the cause -- were from an inner-ear infection.
NASCAR also previously announced it has contracted with American Medical Response for about four or five doctors who will rotate at-track duties throughout the season, which will also add to the consistency in evaluating drivers.