NASCAR changed its points system in the offseason, simplifying the scoring to make it easier for fans to understand.
NASCAR Points Standings Will Have New Look In 2011
So if you’re new to NASCAR (or you just want a refresher), here’s what you need to know:
– Points are awarded starting with 43 for first place and decreasing by one point all the way down to last place (see chart below). The winner will also get three bonus points for a victory, plus at least one point for leading a lap.
– Any driver who leads at least one lap will receive one point. Also, the driver who leads the most laps will receive an additional point.
– The maximum points a driver can receive in one race is 48 (43 points plus the three additional points for a win, one lap leader bonus point and one point for leading the most laps). So the gap between first and second place can range from six points (48 to 42) to as few as three points (47 to 44).
– In addition, the way the Chase berths are earned was also changed in the offseason. The Chase – NASCAR’s version of the playoffs – is a 10-race event where the points are reset following the 26th race of the year. To make it in, you must now either be in the top 10 in points or qualify via one of two “wild card” slots, which go to the drivers outside the top 10 with the most wins.
Here’s how the scoring will work this year (not including lap leader bonus points):
- 47 points (includes one point for leading a lap)
- 42 points
- 41
- 40
- 39
- 38
- 37
- 36
- 35
- 34
- 33
- 32
- 31
- 30
- 29
- 28
- 27
- 26
- 25
- 24
- 23
- 22
- 21
- 20
- 19
- 18
- 17
- 16
- 15
- 14
- 13
- 12
- 11
- 10
- 9
- 8
- 7
- 6
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
See More:
