How the NASCAR Points System Works

The NASCAR Nextel Cup series uses its own system of scoring. The NASCAR points system works to help give drivers points based on how well they do, and those points will go into determining who makes it into the Chase for the Cup at the end of each season. Here’s a look at how the NASCAR points system is used.

Winning races is the most important part of getting points in the NASCAR points system. A winner of a race will receive 180 points. If a driver makes it to the Chase for the Cup playoff series then that person will get five additional points for each win, thus making winning even more important in the regular season. Second place gets 170 points, third place gets 160, and lower places get less amounts of points in the NASCAR points system.

Points are given for laps as well. The minimum score in terms of points for a winner is 185, with the next driver getting 170 points. After that points will be spread out by five each from second to sixth place (165 points for third, 160 for fourth, etc.). After the sixth place finisher the points will be spread out by four between sixth and eleventh. After that points are spread by three.

A driver that leads in a race for the most laps will get five extra points to their score, and a maximum of ten points can be allowed based on how many laps the driver leads the race in. Lap leadership for the NASCAR points system is determined at the end of each lap, and the driver that crosses first is the lap leader regardless of how well the driver has done over the course of the race.

In the NASCAR points system points are given to individual drivers. In the case that a replacement driver is needed for someone because of an injury, the replacement driver will not get points but the original driver will.

The NASCAR points system is different compared to what was used in the past. It used to be that instead of a NASCAR points system purses were given out, meaning that drivers could win money for being successful in races and would be the year’s champion based on how much money they won. Generally, points were awarded based on how much money was won. Today points are used and not money as the guidline.

The Chase for the Cup is the last part of the NASCAR points system. This is the newest part of the NASCAR points system, as it works to give the best drivers of the year a closer playing field for the last ten races of the year. The top twelve drivers at the end of the year in terms of points will have their point numbers reset to 5,000 each, with five bonus points to drivers for each win they have. For instance, if Kevin Harvick won three races during the year and made the Chase for the Cup he’d have 5,015 points.

New slate of drivers showing strength early - FOXNews

Washington Post

New slate of drivers showing strength early FOXNews I really didn't expect NASCAR to do any more than it did by putting Carl on probation. You can't tell the drivers in January to "have at it" and then lower ... Is Nascar Pleasing its Fans, Toying With Death or Both?Wall Street Journal (blog) Countdown: NASCAR blows a tire, Tebow blows a budgetAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) all 955 news articles »

NASCAR Nationwide Series: News And Notes - Open Week - Auto Racing Daily

Auto Racing Daily

NASCAR Nationwide Series: News And Notes - Open Week Auto Racing Daily The fans are what make NASCAR, and in the case of two NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers, it's the fans who are making their opportunity to race come to ... and more »

Petty Holdings Announces Richard Petty's Driver Search - Circle Track Magazine (blog)

Petty Holdings Announces Richard Petty's Driver Search Circle Track Magazine (blog) Named for the winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup history and designed as a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking ...

NASCAR Sprint Cup Preview: Atlanta - The Checkered Flag

AutoWeek

NASCAR Sprint Cup Preview: Atlanta The Checkered Flag In seasons past the names of Roush drivers would have been at the top of every list of potential winners at all the intermediate tracks, let alone Atlanta. ... Atlanta Motor Speedway news 2010-03-04Motorsport.com SMi boss lobbies for Kentucky, 2nd Vegas Cup datesFOXNews New Hampshire Motor Speedway could get the boot, but is NASCAR's only venue ...SI.com BetUs.com -Tampabay.com all 663 news articles »

Hotlanta Lives Up To Its Name, Thanks To Carl Edwards - Bleacher Report

Seattle Post Intelligencer

Hotlanta Lives Up To Its Name, Thanks To Carl Edwards Bleacher Report Sure NASCAR wants drivers to show some emotion on the racetrack, but when it could kill somebody, a line needs to be drawn. Wait two weeks, Bristol's coming ... Parks Pit Report: Kobalt Tools 500 in AtlantaGant Daily 2010 Fantasy Racing: Head over heelsOPENSports.com Parent: Fans, run when you hear 'Ford Fight!'Delaware County Daily Times News-Herald.com all 1,112 news articles »

Kevin Harvick Takes Atlanta Victory in NASCAR Truck Series - TruckTrend Magazine

TruckTrend Magazine

Kevin Harvick Takes Atlanta Victory in NASCAR Truck Series TruckTrend Magazine Harvick, part-time driver and full-time team owner, started from fourth in his No. 2 Chevrolet and survived a number of squabbles to score the second ... Atlanta Truck race wide openFOXNews NASCAR: Odds on E-Z GO 200 Camping World Truck SeriesBetUs.com all 259 news articles »