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.
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[/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. 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.
Classic Points System – Standings After Race 23
In each of the various points distributions Kyle Busch enjoys a commanding lead over the rest of the Sprint Cup field. As has been shown throughout the season, the majority of the standings remains virtually unchanged between the old and new system.
Notable changes in position compared to current system: None
Changes to Chase Field: NONE
F1 System – Standings After Race 23
It is in the F1 points distribution in which Busch’s four victories this season truly pays off. He would possess an over two race advantage over second place runner Carl Edwards, and nearly a five race advantage over fifth place Jeff Gordon. Brad Keselowski enjoys a nice jump up into the top ten, while Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Tony Stewart slide back to 13th and 14th respectively.
With Keselowski and Hamlin residing in the top ten, big changes occur in the Chase field.
Notable changes in position compared to current system: Regan Smith (+5), Brad Keselowski (+4), Denny Hamlin (+4), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (-4), Tony Stewart (-4), Greg Biffle (-9), A.J. Allmendinger (-10)
Changes to Chase Field: Marcos Ambrose (IN), David Ragan (IN), Tony Stewart (OUT), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (OUT)
IndyCar System – Standings After Race 23
Similar to the F1 distribution, Kyle Busch sits atop the standings by a difference of nearly two full races. Again, the Chase standings are shaken up, but this time the difference is much smaller with David Ragan and Marcos Ambrose tied in points, while Paul Menard is a mere two points behind them.
Notable changes in position compared to current system: Denny Hamlin (+4), Brad Keselowski (+3), Kevin Harvick (-3), Jeff Burton (-5), A.J. Allmendinger (-7)
Changes to Chase Field: Marcos Ambrose (IN), David Ragan (IN), Tony Stewart (OUT), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (OUT)
Phat’s System – Standings After Race 23
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.
In the last distribution, Busch maintains another two plus race advantage over Carl Edwards. In another change to the Chase field, Paul Menard finds himself as the second wild card, only 18 points ahead of David Ragan and 26 ahead of Marcos Ambrose.
Notable changes in position compared to current system: Marcos Ambrose (+5), David Ragan (+4), Kasey Kahne (+3), Kevin Harvick (-3), A.J. Allmendinger (-5)
Changes to Chase Field: Paul Menard (IN), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (OUT)
