NASCAR official confirms changes in points system

NASCAR official confirms
changes in points system
Playoff plan is a 'go' for 2004 season
By JIM UTTER
ThatsRacin.com Writer

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - NASCAR this season will significantly alter the way it determines the champion of its Nextel Cup series, marking the first major change to its points system since 1975.
"We think we need to provide a new model for our points championship," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communication. "Consistency is a big part of it, but winning is also an overwhelming part of it.

"We think it might have gotten a little out of balance."

Although the final plan won't be unveiled for a few weeks - likely during the Charlotte media tour that begins Jan. 19 - Hunter outlined several of the biggest changes Thursday:

• Race winners in each of the three national series - Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck - will receive a points bonus for a race win. Hunter declined to give the exact number of points.

• The Cup series will adopt a version of a "playoff format" - first discussed at the end of last season - that will encompass the final 10 races of the season. That system will be used to determine the series champion.

• NASCAR will continue with its current policy of not awarding points for qualifying.

• To accommodate potential driver injuries, NASCAR will continue to award both car owner and driver points, allowing for the possibility of split championships.

• NASCAR is considering increasing minimum-speed requirements to reduce the number of damaged vehicles that remain in races after accidents.

The biggest question marks remaining involve how drivers would become eligible for the playoff in Cup. Regardless, the final 10 races will be used determine the champion, Hunter said.

This season's final 10 races are at Loudon, N.H.; Dover, Del.; Talladega, Ala.; Kansas City, Kan.; Concord, N.C.; Martinsville, Va.; Hampton, Ga.; Avondale, Ariz.; Darlington, S.C.; and Homestead, Fla.

The most common scenario offered so far locks in the top-10 drivers in points following the 26th race. Only those drivers would be eligible to compete for the championship.

Hunter offered another option Thursday: Any driver within a certain number of points of the leader might be eligible for the playoffs.

Hunter also said that once the number of drivers involved in the playoff was set, they would start the final 10-race stretch with a certain number of points based on their standings in the first 26 events.

NASCAR is examining models from the 28 years the current points system has been in place to help determine the number used, but it could range from 300 to 600 points.

"The bottom line is we want to create a chase for the championship that adds some drama and excitement, particularly after Labor Day when the interest seems to flatten out," Hunter said.

Late in the year, NASCAR Cup races generally face increased competition for television viewers from college football and the National Football League.

"We have the longest schedule in sports. We go from February to November. Historically, once we get past Labor Day, the interest level starts to drop."

Matt Kenseth's championship run in 2003, which included just one victory, brought additional scrutiny to NASCAR's points system. Yet Hunter acknowledged a lot of initial resistance, both from drivers and fans, to the playoff format idea.

During this week's preseason test at Daytona International Speedway, such drivers as Dale Jarrett, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenseth have expressed their disapproval of the playoff idea.

Officials with new series sponsor Nextel Communications have expressed concern, fearing fans would link the company to unpopular changes. NASCAR chairman Brian France has speared the playoff change.

Nextel officials could not be reached for comment Thursday. Hunter said the sponsor was "on board" with the idea.

"Everybody questions change, but we've put a lot of thought in this. I am firmly convinced this will add some drama and some excitement to our season," Hunter said.

 

I'm not overly excited about this, but I hope I am as the season progresses.

 

Nascar just jumped the shark

 

If I am FOX, I am absolutely OUTRAGED by this decision, because I paid just as much money as NBC/Turner for televising the sport and cannot get any payoff from a playoff.

 

This season's final 10 races are at Loudon, N.H.; Dover, Del.; Talladega, Ala.; Kansas City, Kan.; Concord, N.C.; Martinsville, Va.; Hampton, Ga.; Avondale, Ariz.; Darlington, S.C.; and Homestead, Fla.


got to change this. Richmond absolutely needs to be a playoff race. Maybe Bristol or a road track.

 

the Winston should be between the "regular season" and the "playoffs" and to make it more interesting the winner is assured a spot in the playoffs

 

great call, but that date will never change if it continues to stay here, it's got to be before the 600. Hell, at least the 500 should sell out this year.

 

Not only that, it's Mother's Day week end


I for one lose interest in a 36 race season. Having 10 or more start from scratch for 10 races, there's going to be a lot more excitement I think. It's going to be wild those last few races before the 26th race, that's sure. It's going to seem like the Winston Open. Then, to have basically a 10 race season with the top drivers, it's the Winston on a larger scale. I have to say I'm for it.

36 race season has been done, let 'em mix it up

 

I just realized something, we're less than a month out from Daletoner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since the Panthers are still playing, I've completely forgotten about racing. Sweet Ass!!!!

 

I like the changes. Winner deserve more points IMO. Playoff will at least be worth seeing. If it doesn't work, so what - get rid of it again.