NASCAR Sprint Cup Point Standings Analytics – After Race 3

The announcement of a change to the distribution of points across NASCAR national series sparked debate among even the most conservative NASCAR fans.  One of the explanations behind the change was to develop a more dramatic points battle to increase fan interest.

[media-credit id=41 align=”alignright” width=”290″][/media-credit]A debate arose over the fact that a quick calculation would show that very little, if anything, would change in the final championship standings. Here, I shall contend that debate with weekly comparisons across the three most commonly mentioned distributions, plus my own personal points schedule designed to reward both race winners and consistent high finishes.

Classic Points System – Standings After Race 3

Under the classic system, Kurt Busch would have sole possession of the top spot in the Sprint Cup standings. Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya and Ryan Newman would round out the top five, all separated by a mere 17 points which is surprisingly close to the spacing in the actual top five.

Notable changes in position compared to current system: Kyle Busch (+3), Matt Kenseth (-3), Brian Vickers (-3)

F1 System – Standings After Race 3

The three drivers with race victories would occupy the top three spots in the standings with Edwards commanding a lead of 18 points over Jeff Gordon and Trevor Bayne. Tony Stewart and Montoya would round out the top five 19 and 20 points back respectively.

Drivers without points: Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer, Greg Biffle, Joey Logano

Notable changes in position compared to current system: Jeff Gordon (+16), David Gilliand (+11), Kyle Busch (+8), Marcos Ambrose (+6), Kurt Busch (-7), A.J. Allmendinger (-11)

Indycar System – Standings After Race 3

Again, Edwards would lead the standings by 16 points over Tony Stewart. Kurt Busch would sit fourth, Montoya fifth with Ryan Newman and Kyle Busch tied for fifth

Notable changes in position compared to current system: Jeff Gordon (+11), David Gilliand (+9), Kyle Busch (+8), Martin Truex, Jr. (-7), A.J. Allmendinger (-10)

Phat’s System – Standings After Race 3

For an explanation of the points distribution, please see image on standings page.

Carl Edwards leads another set of standings, this time by 139 points over Tony Stewart. Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon and Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne would cap off the top five.

Notable changes in position compared to current system: Jeff Gordon (+15), Kyle Busch (+8), Ryan Newman (-4), Kasey Kahne (-7), Martin Truex, Jr. (-7)