Major changes to NASCAR competition in 2017

As part of sweeping new changes to the way NASCAR is run in 2017, races will be split into three stages in a major overhaul to formats.

The 36 Cup races will be broken up into three stages with parts one and two equal in length with a five-minute break in between with the final stage measuring half the total race distance.

Rewards for the top 10 at the end of the first two stages will see the winner earning 10 points with a reduction of one-point increments down to 10th. Each stage 1 and 2 winner will also receive one ‘playoff point’ that carries into the postseason – formerly known as The Chase.

Race winners receive 40 points, second 35 and a sliding scale of one-point increments down to 35th place which receives two points.

The final stage winner of each race receives five playoff points that carry into the postseason should they qualify. Gone are bonus points for leading a lap and leading the most laps.

The new race format is designed to elevate aggressive racing and strategy.

NASCAR chairman & chief executive Brian France said the sweeping changes were a result of a collaboration of the entire sport.

“Simply put, this will make our great racing even better,” said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman & CEO.

“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.”

The playoff points will be added to an eligible driver’s reset total after the 26th race of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

As part of the massive restructure, a regular season champion will be crowned while the top 10 after the opening 26 races will gain playoff points on a scale from 15-10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.

All changes will run through the Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

“These are enhancements that the NASCAR fan has long sought, and the entire industry has worked hard to develop a better racing format for our fans,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer.