As a result of ongoing feedback from NASCAR’s fans, there will be changes to the format of all races in the top three NASCAR divisions.
The goal of the changes is to make racing better from start to finish and also add more memorable moments along the way.
Below is a short synopsis of the changes to take place starting with the Can-Am Duel at Daytona on February 23rd.
Races will be divided into 3 stages
Stages 1 and 2 each approximately 25-30 percent of the race distance
- Each stage will have a winner flagged at a designated lap. The race will then go to caution between stages followed by a mandatory pit stop for each team
- The Final Stage will consist of the remaining distance – normal race finish rules (i.e., green, white, checkers)
Stages 1 & 2 will award points
- The top ten finishers of stage 1 & 2 will receive championship points (from 10 points to 1 point)
- Stage winners will receive one (1) “segment winner point bonus” for NASCAR Postseason/Playoff seeding, but will NOT receive a playoff berth for a stage win
Final Stage
- Race (aka the Final Stage) winners of each points event still earn a berth into the playoffs
- Pays points 1st thru last place finisher
Format will begin for NASCAR Camping World Trucks, NASCAR Xfinity, & Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with the first race of the 2017 season
The Can-Am Duel will be treated segments, paying points to the top-10 finishers. Duel winners will NOT earn bonus points or a berth for the post-season. The Daytona 500 will be the first MENCS race with three (3) full segments.
A panel of drivers, teams, track officials, and NASCAR helped develop the changes including Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, & Joey Logano.
Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing represented the current teams at the press conference held earlier this evening.
Former drivers Jeff Gordon & Jeff Burton also participated
