How Scoring In A NASCAR Season Works: A Comprehensive Guide

NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is one of the most thrilling and widely followed motorsports in the world. Known for its high-speed action, close-quarters racing, and larger-than-life personalities, NASCAR captivates millions of fans across the globe. While the roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the sight of cars drafting inches apart at 200 mph are what draw fans to the sport, understanding how scoring works is essential to fully appreciating the strategy, drama, and competition that unfold over a NASCAR season.

Unlike many other sports where scoring is straightforward, NASCAR employs a multi-layered points system that rewards consistency, performance, and strategic brilliance. From race points and stage bonuses to playoff formats and tiebreakers, the scoring system is designed to keep the championship battle exciting from the first green flag of the season to the final checkered flag. Let’s face it, knowing what the heck is going on makes all the difference! So, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how scoring in a NASCAR season works, giving you the tools to follow the action like a seasoned fan.

The Basics: Race Points

At its core, NASCAR uses a points system to determine driver and team standings over the course of a season. Points are awarded based on a driver’s finishing position in each race. Here’s how it works:

1. Race Finish Points:
   • The winner of a race earns 40 points.
   • Each subsequent position earns one fewer point, with 2nd place earning 35 points, 3rd earning 34 points, and so on.
   • Drivers finishing 36th or lower earn 1 point.
2. Stage Points:
   • NASCAR races are divided into stages (usually three per race). The top 10 finishers in each stage earn additional points:
     • 1st place: 10 points
     • 2nd place: 9 points
     • 3rd place 8 points, etc., etc.
     • 10th place: 1 point
   • These stage points are added to the driver’s total for the race.
3. Playoff Points:
   • Playoff points are earned throughout the season and carry over into the playoffs, giving drivers a potential advantage.
   • Drivers earn playoff points by:
     • Winning a race: 5 playoff points.
     • Winning a stage: 1 playoff point.
     • Finishing in the top 10 in the regular-season standings: Additional playoff points are awarded (15 for 1st, 10 for 2nd, 8 for 3rd, and so on).

The Regular Season

The NASCAR Cup Series season is divided into two main parts: the regular season and the playoffs.

1. Regular Season:
   • The regular season consists of 26 races.
   • Drivers accumulate points from each race and stage to determine their standings.
   • The primary goal during the regular season is to secure a spot in the playoffs, either by winning a race or by being in the top 16 in points.
2. Playoff Eligibility:
   • Winning a race during the regular season virtually guarantees a driver a spot in the playoffs.
   • If there are fewer than 16 unique winners, the remaining playoff spots are filled by the highest-ranked drivers in points who haven’t won a race.

The Playoffs

The NASCAR playoffs, also known as the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, are a 10-race, elimination-style tournament that determines the season champion.

1. Playoff Format:
   • The playoffs consist of four rounds: the Round of 16, the Round of 12, the Round of 8, and the Championship 4.
   • Each round includes three races, except for the Championship 4, which is a single race.
2. Advancing Through the Rounds:
   • Drivers start each round with their accumulated playoff points.
   • At the end of each round, the bottom drivers in points are eliminated:
     • After the Round of 16, four drivers are eliminated.
     • After the Round of 12, four more drivers are eliminated.
     • After the Round of 8, four more drivers are eliminated.
   • The final four drivers compete in the Championship 4 race.
3. Championship 4:
   • The Championship 4 race is held at Phoenix Raceway (as of recent seasons).
   • The four remaining drivers start the race with their playoff points reset to 0.
   • The highest finisher among the four is crowned the NASCAR Cup Series champion.

Bonus Points and Tiebreakers

1. Bonus Points:
   • Drivers can earn bonus points for leading laps and leading the most laps in a race:
     • Leading at least one lap: 1 point.
     • Leading the most laps: 1 additional point.
2. Tiebreakers:
   • In the event of a tie in points, the tiebreaker is determined by:
     • The number of race wins.
     • The number of stage wins.
     • The number of top 5s, top 10s, and so on.

Owner and Manufacturer Points

1. Owner Points:
   • Each car entered in a race earns owner points based on its finishing position.
   • Owner points are separate from driver points and determine the standings for car owners.
2. Manufacturer Points:
   • Manufacturers (e.g., Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota) earn points based on the highest-finishing car from their brand in each race:
     • 1st place: 40 points.
     • 2nd place: 35 points.
     • 3rd place: 34 points.
     • And so on.

Why the Scoring System Matters

NASCAR’s scoring system is designed to reward consistency, performance, and strategy. The stage points encourage drivers to compete hard throughout the race, not just at the end. The playoff format adds drama and excitement, ensuring that the championship battle often comes down to the final race of the season.

For fans, understanding the scoring system enhances the viewing experience, as it provides insight into the stakes of each race and the strategies drivers and teams employ to earn points and advance in the standings.

Checkered Flag

The scoring in NASCAR is a complex but fascinating system that balances consistency, performance, and playoff drama. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, knowing how points are earned and how the playoffs work will deepen your appreciation for the skill and strategy that go into every race. So, the next time you watch a NASCAR event, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s at stake and why every position on the track matters. Want to know how IndyCar scoring works? Check out our article here.