Points System

So NASCAR has finally bought into the idea that the points system needs an overhaul. Duh! How many of us hard core fans have been saying that for years. The current system was designed to keep the car fields full. Teams had to be encouraged to keep coming back every week even if they were not running well.

That was then, this is now. Every week at least 35 real good teams show up to compete. And, there has not been a field of less than 43 cars since NASCAR went to that car count for every race. So NASCAR has decided to change the point structure to award the winner 43 points, and then drop down a point for each position so the 43^rd place driver receives one point. Bonus points, apparently, have not been decided on.

I’m having trouble seeing the difference from the current system. Rumor has it that the winner will get a few extra points. But, the proposed system is the same as it is now, other than us mathematically challenged people will have a little easier time of it. Someone ran last year’s finishes thru the new formula and came out with the same results for the first seven positions, then minor changes in eight thru ten.

There are two things wrong with both the current and the proposed point structures:

1 – Finishing at the front is not rewarded enough. I like the idea I’ve heard of putting the top three finishers on a podium. That will be good for the drivers, teams and sponsors. And reward those top three finishers point-wise. Make it really worthwhile to finish third rather than fourth, second rather than third, and first rather than second. Give each one of those positions 20% more than the next position. The racing will become really exciting!!

2 – Field trailers and “start and parkers” get rewarded with points. Since the top 35 in points are currently guaranteed starters that might be a good number to cut the points off after. If you finish 36^th thru 43^rd you get no points. No more just hanging around. Finish in the top 35 or get nothing. An added benefit of this will be to eliminate some of the back markers from getting in the way late in the race.

I’m afraid nothing will be accomplished by the rumored point changes. That seems to be the way of NASCAR. There is not enough brainpower at the top to make real good changes.