On January 12, NASCAR announced a new format to determine the championship. Actually, it is a return the previous Chase format that will no longer feature the “win and you’re in” ruling; but puts an emphasis on consistency and winning.
NASCAR also changed the amount of points the winner earns.
The number of playoff drivers in each series remains the same with 16 for Cup, 12 for the O’Reilly Auto Parts, and 10 for the Craftsman Truck Series; but there will not longer be any elimination races.
The field of playoff drivers will be set at the end of the regular season based on points and will compete throughout the playoffs.
The number of playoff races remains the same for each series – 10 for Cup, nine for the O’Reilly Series, and seven for the Truck Series.
Previously race winners earned 40 points for each race; going forward, race winners will earn 55 points. Points awarded will be 35 points for second, 34 for third, 33 for fourth, etc.
Drivers will still earn stage points as before; beginning with 10 for the winner, down to one point for 10th place.
NASCAR hopes to encourage drivers to “go for the win” over just running for points.
At the end of the regular season the points will be reset for the playoffs…but only once…
1st: 2,100
2nd: 2,075
3rd: 2,065
4th: 2,060
5th: 2,055
6th: 2,050
7th: 2,045
8th: 2,040
9th: 2,035
10th: 2,030
11th: 2,025
12th: 2,020
13th: 2,015
14th: 2,010
15th: 2,005
16th: 2,000
At the end of the playoffs (full season) the driver with the most points will be determined the champion.
The new championship format came about after numerous meetings involving every aspect of NASCAR including the fans.