Live Update: NASCAR Introduces GPS Trackers for 2025 Season in Groundbreaking Rule Change
Every NASCAR season delivers something extraordinary, and 2025 is no exception. Just three years after the buzz surrounding the Next-Gen car’s debut, which revolutionized the Cup Series, NASCAR is once again turning heads with a bold technological leap. This time, the sport is introducing GPS trackers for all Cup Series cars, a move designed to enhance race oversight and ensure fairness on the track.
Revolutionary Tech to Address Past Controversies
The need for tighter race management has never been more apparent, especially after the controversies that marred the 2024 season. Key incidents, like the Charlotte Roval playoff debacle, still linger in the minds of fans. NASCAR deemed Alex Bowman’s No. 48 Chevrolet too light during a post-race inspection, reinstating Joey Logano into the playoffs despite his earlier elimination. Similarly, inconsistent enforcement of the Damaged Vehicle Policy—where Josh Berry was denied repairs in Kansas while Chase Elliott received a pass in Talladega—sparked widespread criticism.
Now, NASCAR is stepping up with a game-changing solution: greater inspection of race data through advanced technology.
GPS Tracker Rule Set for 2025
According to NASCAR journalist Jerry Jordan, teams must install GPS trackers on their vehicles starting February 12, 2025. In a recent update on Twitter, Jordan wrote:
“New Rule: @NASCAR will require teams to install a GPS antenna on their cars in 2025. Effective February 12, 2025, each vehicle must have an IDAS GPS antenna installed in the right rear window.”
The GPS antenna, part of the Incident Data Acquisition System (IDAS), will provide NASCAR exclusive access to live car data. Jordan clarified, “NASCAR shall own any and all IDAS data generated and/or collected…and shall control the use and dissemination of such data.”
A photo of the small device, which will be placed at the bottom of the rear window frame, was also shared by Jordan.
A Step Toward Greater Control
The new rule is the latest in a series of regulatory tweaks aimed at modernizing the sport. Recent changes have included confirmed slots for international drivers at Daytona and limiting Cup teams to four cars. These measures, combined with the GPS tracker, are set to provide NASCAR unparalleled control over live race data.
Technological Evolution: From Photographs to Live Data
This isn’t the first time NASCAR has embraced innovation. Back in 2016, the sport partnered with Microsoft, now valued at nearly $3 trillion, to revolutionize race monitoring. Through the ‘Race Management’ app and Microsoft Azure, NASCAR began collecting live telemetry data like RPM, throttle usage, braking patterns, and lap split times. As Anthony Morgante, a former Microsoft director, remarked, “NASCAR generates the most data of any sport due to the nature of its vehicles and sensors.”
The 2025 GPS trackers will expand upon this foundation, giving NASCAR a cutting-edge tool for live data collection and better race decisions.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
With the season less than a month away, the introduction of GPS technology promises a fairer and more transparent racing experience. Whether this innovation will eliminate past inconsistencies remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: NASCAR continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsports.
Stay tuned as we gear up for another electrifying season!
