Before the installation of stages and the current playoff system, drivers earned a point for leading a lap during a race.
For the 2025 season, NASCAR has announced the driver who runs the fastest lap during a race will earn a point. That means that there are 36 extra points available to the drivers for the upcoming season.
Points will be awarded to the driver and the owner and go toward their point total for the championship.
The driver who earns the most fastest lap points during the season will have a donation made to the charity or community related cause of their choice.
The points will be awarded in all three series. For the charitable donations it will be $30,000 for the Cup Series, $20,000 for the Xfinity Series, and $10,000 for the Craftsman Truck Series.
While all drivers will be eligible for the Xfinity Fastest Lap, drivers who are a part of the championship points race for that series will be allowed to earn a point. In the case of part time drivers, only the team will receive an owner point. In the case of a tie, the driver with the highest finishing position will earn the point. Drivers disqualified from the race cannot earn a point. Championship Four drivers will not earn a point during the championship race.
Vice president of brand partnership and engagement for Comcast Matt Lederer spoke on the new program saying, “we’re not just entering year eleven of our partnership. We’re embarking on year one of a renewed relationship with NASCAR filled with fresh energy and exciting opportunities to enhance the competition on the track in a way that has never been done before.”