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 name=”Brad Keppel” align=”alignright” width=”225″]
[/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 24
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 24
Kyle Busch’s lead decreases ever so slightly, but Brad Keselowski continues to rocket up the F1 standings as he now sits at the entrance to the top five. Surprisingly, Marcos Ambrose is also in position to jump into the top ten, sitting a mere 13 points behind Denny Hamlin, while Regan Smith is barely in Wild Card contention.
With Keselowski and Hamlin residing in the top ten, big changes occur in the Chase field.
Notable changes in position compared to current system: Marcos Ambrose (+11), David Ragan (+6), Brad Keselowski (+5), Tony Stewart (-4), A.J. Allmendinger (-12)
Changes to Chase Field: Marcos Ambrose (IN), David Ragan (IN), Tony Stewart (OUT), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (OUT)
IndyCar System – Standings After Race 24
Busch enjoys a nearly two race advantage over both Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson who are currently tied for second. The top ten remains relatively stable, and the race for final Wild Card position is still extremely tight with 12 points separating the three drivers.
Notable changes in position compared to current system: Marcos Ambrose (+7), David Ragan (+5), Denny Hamlin (+3), Greg Biffle (-5), A.J. Allmendinger (-9),
Changes to Chase Field: Marcos Ambrose (IN), David Ragan (IN), Tony Stewart (OUT), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (OUT)
Phat’s System – Standings After Race 24
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.
Jimmie Johnson lops of nearly 100 points of Busch’s lead as we inch closer to the Chase. Brad Keselowski jumps up into the top ten, assuring himself a spot in the Chase, while Tony Stewart falls out of the top ten. With both Stewart and Earnhardt, Jr. out of the top ten, there are currently two Wild Cards entering the Chase on virtue of their victories.
Notable changes in position compared to current system: Marcos Ambrose (+7), David Ragan (+4), Brad Keselowski (+4), Ryan Newman (-2), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (-3), Greg Biffle (-7)
Changes to Chase Field: Paul Menard (IN), Marcos Ambrose (IN), Tony Stewart (OUT), Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (OUT)
