The National Hot Rod Association introduced some notable adjustments to its points systems earlier this month. Never to be outdone, NASCAR made some major changes to its points systems and unveiled some other big changes for 2017.

Let’s start with NASCAR.

New NASCAR Points System

According to Motorsport.com, races in all three NASCAR race series—Monster Energy Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks—will be divided into three stages. At the end of each stage, drivers who finish in the Top 10 will be awarded on a scale from 10 points to one point, depending on their finish. At the end of each race, the winner will receive 40 points, second through 35th place finishers will earn points on a 35 to two-point scale, and all 36th place and lower finishers will get one point. Each stage winner will receive one playoff point, and the overall race winner will get five playoff points—all of which will be carried into the 10-race NASCAR playoff at the end of the season.

The playoff points can be accumulated throughout the season and playoffs until the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. There, the top four finalists will race for the win, and the highest finisher will be the series champion.

What do they call this new playoff?

No word, but it’s definitely not the “Chase.” NASCAR has decided to eliminate that moniker.

You can read more about NASCAR’s changes (and there are more) at Motorsport.com.

New NHRA Points System

Compared to NASCAR, the NHRA changes are small, but they could still have a huge impact on the outcome of the season. The big takeaway here is that the NHRA is trying to make the season finale at Pomona a bigger factor in determining champions. Winners at the season-ending race will now garner 150 points, runners-up will get 120 points, and semi-finalists will earn 90 points. The qualifying points format has also been revamped so that a single driver can earn as many as 191 total points at this single race.

Motorsport.com was all over these changes as well, and you can read about them here.

 

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Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.