NASCAR Sprint Cup Point Standings Analytics – After Race 5

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.

A debate arose over the fact that a quick calculation would show that very little, if anything, would change in the final championship standings. In fact, even among the more common point distributions across all major racing series, by the end of the season there did not appear to be much of a difference in the order of the final 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.

On the left side of the standings is the difference between where they stand in actual Sprint Cup Standings and their position in the respective system.

Classic Points System – Standings After Race 5

Carl Edwards would maintain a 33 point lead over new second place driver Kyle Busch. Ryan Newman would jump up a spot to third, with Jimmie Johnson up to fourth and Kurt Busch down three positions to fifth, 61 points back

Notable changes in position compared to current system: None really… as we move forward in the season it is becoming apparent that there is little, if any difference, between the two point distributions.

F1 System – Standings After Race 5

Edwards maintains the points lead again, this time it shrinks to a mere 7 points over Kyle Busch. Jimmie Johnson remains in third while Kevin Harvick, by virtue of his California win jumps up to fourth. Clint Bowyer earns his first points of the season, sliding into the 18th position.

Drivers without points: David Reutimann, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Burton, Joey Logano

Notable changes in position compared to current system: David Gilliand (+14), Jeff Gordon (+10), Kevin Harvick (+5), A.J. Allmendinger (-9), Dale Earnhardt Jr (-10)

IndyCar System – Standings After Race 5

Once again, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch top the standings, this time with commanding leads over third place Jimmie Johnson. Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman round out the top five.

Notable changes in position compared to current system: Jeff Gordon (+6), David Gilliand (+6), Kevin Harvick (+5), Paul Menard (-5), Brad Keselowski (-6), Clint Bowyer (-7)

Phat’s System – Standings After Race 5

For an explanation of the points distribution, please see consult table below standings. This distribution is designed to reward race winners, while also rewarding those who run well every week.

Not so surprisingly, Edwards and Busch are atop the standings and, again, Harvick, Johnson and  Newman round out the top five.

Notable changes in position compared to current system: Kevin Harvick (+6), Jeff Gordon (+6), Paul Menard (-6), Clint Bowyer (-7), Martin Truex Jr (-7)