Matt Crafton replaces Cody Ware at Bristol dirt race.

NASCAR teams are moving closer to a day when a crew chief doesn’t have to be at the track for a race or even a weekend, as technology improves and teams invest more in remote access. However, some say that face-to-face interaction is still valuable. NASCAR has made changes to the Rule Book to rein in the appeals panel after recent confusing actions. NASCAR is expected to return to Circuit of the Americas next season. Cautions are down 28.1% this year compared to this time last season.