NASCAR executives have unveiled major changes to all three national series, with a new format and points system aimed at improving the experience for fans and drivers.
The new rules are a collaborative effort by team bosses, drivers, circuits, sponsors and broadcasters to ensure the racing remains exciting from the first lap to the last and from the first race to season finale.
The changes, which will see races divided into three stages with 10 minute breaks, apply to the Monster Energy Cup, Xfinity and Trucks championships. It's hoped breaking the races up will allow for broadcasters to minimise the amount of action interrupted by adverts.
A new points system will reward drivers by stages. Stage one and two will see those drivers sitting in the top 10 come the end of the stage awarded points, 10 through to one.
The third and final segment will end with the checkered flag and points will be awarded to the entire field. The winner will take home 40 points, with second taking 35 through to two points for the driver in 35th place.
Those finishing 36th and lower will be awarded a single point.
Stage winners will also be awarded one playoff point and the overall race winner will be awarded five playoff points. These will be carried over to the 10-race NASCAR playoff at the end of the season.
This will no longer be known as 'The Chase', but will remain largely the same, with four finalists battling it out at Homestead-Miami Speedway to be crowned series champion.
It was also announced that the driver with the most race points at the end of the regular-season will be honoured at the regular-season champion and would earn an additional 15 playoff points. That also applies to the top 10, with second being awarded 10 playoff points, 8 points for third, 7 for fourth and so on.
"Simply put, this will make our great racing even better," chairman Brian France said. "I’m proud of the unprecedented collaboration from our industry stakeholders, each of whom had a common goal – strengthening the sport for our fans.
"This is an enhancement fully rooted in teamwork, and the result will be an even better product every single week."
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