New Structure Intensifies Rivalries Between Auto Makers
NASCAR announced today that it has restructured its manufacturer points system for 2014, simplifying it for fans, competition and the industry, while amplifying the already passionate rivalries between each auto maker.
The new points system – which applies to all three national series – mirrors the owner championship points structure. Awarded Points go to the single highest finisher for each car manufacturer in each championship event according to the finishing position awarded for each race. Specifically, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, awarded points are as follows (43-1, plus bonus points). Points will be awarded in a similar way in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (43-4, plus bonus points) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (43-8, plus bonus points).
Three more bonus points will be awarded to the manufacturer that wins the race. The single highest finisher for each manufacturer will receive one extra bonus point for leading a lap, and one extra bonus point for leading the most laps.
Example: In a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, if a Toyota finishes in the top three positions and the winning Toyota leads the most laps, and a Chevrolet finishes in fourth place without leading a lap, Toyota will receive 48 points and Chevrolet will receive 40 points.
“We have always focused on intensifying the natural rivalries between our manufacturers – both on the race track and in the showroom,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition and racing development. “We believe aligning the points system with the owner points will create better understanding for the entire industry, and bolster interest and excitement with our fan base, which has shown intense manufacturer loyalty throughout the sport’s history.”
At the end of the season, if two or more manufacturers have the same number of points, the manufacturers’ championship will be awarded to the manufacturer with the greatest number of first-place finishes. If there is a tie in victories, the greatest number of second-place finishes, third-place finishes, etc. will break the tie. If a tie remains, the manufacturer having the earliest win of the current season will prevail.
The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season gets underway with The Sprint Unlimited on Saturday, Feb. 15 and the 56th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 23, both at Daytona International Speedway. The Sprint Unlimited will air live at 8 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1, Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The Daytona 500 will air live at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Log on to NASCAR.com for more coverage all season long.