NASCAR puts limit on past champ provisional

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced Wednesday an update to the past champion's provisional rule in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series for 2007.

Beginning this season, a past champion's provisional may be used by an eligible driver a maximum of six times over the course of the season. In addition, a team with a past champion eligible driver may only use this provisional a maximum of six times during a season.

Previously, there was no limit on usage of the past champion's provisional over the course of the 36-race season. The provisional gives the eligible driver the 43rd and final starting position in the race field.

"As NASCAR seeks to place more emphasis on competition, we have decided the time is right to limit the number of provisionals allowed," said NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton.

"We believe this revision brings the provisional policy in line with the continued growth of the sport."