Motorsports are already complicated when it comes to rules and regulations, but NASCAR takes it up a notch as usual. What makes it even more confusing is their closed-door policy. Other than the races, everything happens behind the scenes, hiding everything from rule enforcement to operational decisions, adding an air of mystery to the functioning of the sport. However, Joe Gibbs Racing recently broke the silence with a video explaining where decals can and cannot go on race cars, solving at least one of NASCAR’s many mysteries.

The decal dilemma: Broken by JGR

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is a mega-brand in NASCAR, having fielded iconic drivers like Tony Stewart, Joey Logano, and Kyle Busch in the past. Over the years, they’ve become a fan favorite, and now they’ve given fans yet another reason to appreciate them. Yesterday, JGR uploaded a reel on their official Instagram handle, breaking down the Dos and Don’ts of Decals (decoration adhesive labels).

The video clears the air surrounding a long-standing mystery of how sponsorship decals work, providing a clear explanation of where NASCAR guidelines allow them. The reel answered longstanding questions like: Why can’t decals go on the roof? What about the tires? Why not the rear window? Using visuals, JGR showed that only the car number is allowed on the roof, while decals can cover most of the body—running from the B post to the C post, deck lids, TV panels, and more. However, they can’t be within 2 inches of the car number.

For safety reasons, sponsorship decals are prohibited on the rear window, spoilers, diffusers, grill, and lights. Additionally, they can’t go on certain areas of the hood to ensure clear visibility of the car number for viewers. Thanks to JGR’s simple and informative breakdown, fans finally have clarity on this often-confusing topic.

By simplifying these rules through a simple reel, JGR has solved a long-standing mystery for NASCAR enthusiasts.

What can we expect next?

While JGR’s video is a step in the right direction, it raises hopes for more transparency from NASCAR as a brand. Fans would love to see similar explanations for other complex aspects of the sport from NASCAR itself.

This could include things such as the engineering, the safety standards, the aerodynamics, penalties, etc. If this trend catches, it could pave the way for deeper fan engagement and a clearer understanding of NASCAR’s behind closed door mysteries—something the sport desperately needs to do in order to grow its audience.