List of NASCAR points scoring systems
Since 1949, NASCAR crowns the champion as the driver who earns the most championship points over the season. The way points are awarded has changed many times, from distance-based and finishing-position systems to today’s stage-and-playoff format.
Key eras and changes
- Early years: Points mixed finishing position with race length; many cars could earn points based on where they finished and how far they raced.
- 1972–1973: NASCAR used a hybrid system, combining rank points with distance-based points. For example, winning the Daytona 500 could total 350 points (100 for winning plus points for distance raced).
- 2011–2012 onward: A simplified per-position system was adopted in the main national series (and later in the regional series). Drivers earn 1 point per finishing position, with the winner earning 5 more points than second place. Bonus points include 1 for leading a lap and 1 more for leading the most laps. A charter system introduced in 2016 added a 1-point value for last place.
- 2017: The Duel qualifying races before the Daytona 500 became points-paying for the top-10 finishers.
- Stage racing: Most races are now divided into 3 stages. Points are awarded for stage finishes in the first two stages and for final finishing position in the last stage. The Coca-Cola 600 has 4 stages. Stage results can help determine the standings even before the final segment.
- Xfinity and Truck adjustments post-COVID: In 2020, field sizes were adjusted after practice and qualifying were trimmed back. Xfinity and Truck races included specified points for bottom finishers (e.g., Xfinity 37th–40th and Truck 33rd–40th).
- 2020s added new twists: In 2020–2021, there was talk of extra points for fastest laps in the top series; later, some formats evolved with different bonus opportunities.
- 2026 changes: 15 additional points were added for the winner, and most other bonus points were dropped.
Playoffs (Chase) era
- The playoffs started in the mid-2000s and evolved through 2025. The top 16 drivers (based on wins in the first 26 races, with some flexibility for missed races) qualify for the playoffs, which may include injury or extenuating circumstances exemptions.
- Playoff points: Qualifiers start the playoffs with 2,000 points. They earn 1 additional point per stage won and 5 points for each race win. There are extra bonus points for finishing well in the regular season.
- Championship Four: The final four drivers compete in the last race of the season. Their points are reset to 5,000, and stage points do not count in the final race for deciding the champion; only the finishing position in that race determines the champion. In 2023, the champion did not necessarily win the final race.
Other notes
- The Craftsman Truck Series uses a smaller field, so the last-place finisher earns fewer points (e.g., 5 points for last in some seasons).
- Teams must file an entry form well before each race to be eligible for points.
- Historically, a few notable changes—like the mix of old and new rules in 1972–1973 or the shift to stages and playoffs—have significantly shaped how the season’s champion is determined.
In short, NASCAR’s points system has evolved from distance- and finish-based methods to a stage-and-playoff structure that emphasizes consistent high finishes, stage performance, and the showdown among the playoff contenders.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 01:31 (CET).