The complex incremental scoring system of points for NASCAR may be out the window in favor of a simpler system. It may just be that the winner of the race will get 43 points and each finisher after that will get one point less.
An Associated Press release stated the upcoming changes had not been finalized and the source of information, who had been involved in the discussions, wished to remain anonymous.
[media-credit name=”Brad Keppel” align=”alignright” width=”225″]
[/media-credit]The current point system has been in place since 1975. It gives 175 points to the winner and decreases incrementally in five to three points down to 34 points for the driver who finishes 43rd. In addition five-point bonuses are awarded for leading a lap and leading the most laps.
The proposed system will still award bonus points for the lap leaders and race winners, but it has not been determined exactly how many points it will be.
All the chatter about Brian France changing the Chase to an exotic playoff system also appears to have fallen off the radar. Apparently NASCAR has listened to drivers and teams who really don’t want the changes.
The rumors of expanding the Chase to 15 drivers did not play well with drivers or fans. It appears the Chase will basically remain with top 10 drivers following the 26th race.
The remaining two positions in the Chase will go to the drivers who have the most wins and are outside of the top-10 positions.
Preseason testing begins this Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR president, Mike Helton and vice president of competition, Robin Pemberton will discuss some of the planned changes for 2011 during a press conference with the media on Friday.
Any major changes will be announced by Brian France next week during the annual media tour in Charlotte.
It appears NASCAR has listened and found answers in good, old-fashioned simplicity. Those who are critics of the Chase will still have it, so their complaining will continue.
As for the possible change in points, it should be more fan friendly with the ease of the points calculation after each race.
There will be more changes announced regarding NASCAR policies in the coming days, but for now it appears NASCAR is working toward a cleaner points system and a Chase that encourages wins.
Exotic changes to the sport don’t bode well with the players or the fans and now it appears that will not be an issue.
