NASCAR Announces Format Changes - Simplified

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NASCAR announced a new format that will be ran in the 2017 NASCAR Series within all three top series that kinda left fans confused at first. Instead of running a full race, NASCAR will run three segments. The way we simplified that is that NASCAR will run two heat races and then run a main that will ultimately crown a winner of the race. This move angered some NASCAR fans while others are giving it open arms which is what I feel many need to do. The 2017 season should be exciting all throughout the race instead of just at the end as it's been in the past. You should also not see the incident we saw with Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, and Matt Kenseth at Talladega last year. This new system will honestly reward drivers who are giving their 100% along with rewarding them with bonus points in the "Playoffs". Here is a simplified lay out of the new format.

Segment One

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Segment one will consist of a certain amount of laps that will be decided by the length of the race and track. This segment will be a little more exciting while setting the pace for the remainder of the race. For example at Pocono the first segment of the race will be 40 laps which will set the pace for both races at Pocono. This segment will be where it will be beneficial to start up front which makes qualifying even more important. In this stage championship points will be awarded to the Top-10 with first place receiving 10 points while 10th place will receive 1 point. If the driver who wins a segment makes the playoffs, then that driver will have one point beginning at Chicagoland in September. With 5 laps to go in the segment the pits will close until the Competition caution will split segment one and segment two. Below is an example of the points system.   
  1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.  - 10 points + 1 Bonus Point
  2. Brad Keselowski - 9 points
  3. Kurt Busch - 8 points
  4. Jamie McMurray - 7 points
  5. Michael McDowell - 6 points
  6. Josh Wise - 5 points
  7. Chase Elliott - 4 points
  8. Trevor Bayne - 3 points
  9. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - 2 points
  10. Ryan Newman - 1 point

Segment 2

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During the caution flag period that splits segment one and two, pit stops will be made and the lineup for segment two will be set. Puts it in the hands of the pit crews and crew chiefs to decide to put in some strategy or play it safe. As for Pocono for example this segment will be another 40 lap segment. This segment will make things interesting and it's where I predict the cream of the crop will rise. In this segment the points will be paid out the same with first place gaining 10 points and tenth place gaining 1 point and a playoff bonus point goes to the winner. This could see some violence up front with drivers wanting more and willing to move someone out of the way. Below is another example of the points payout  
  1. Brad Keselowski - 10 points + 1 Playoff Point 
  2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 9 points
  3. Kurt Busch - 8 points
  4. Jamie McMurray - 7 points
  5. Michael McDowell - 6 points
  6. Martin Truex Jr. - 5 points
  7. Chase Elliott - 4 points
  8. Trevor Bayne - 3 points
  9. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - 2 points
  10. Ryan Newman - 1 point

Final Segment 

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In the final segment it's all out. In the final stages of the race its time to make a move to the front which will make any of the races more exciting. Instead of riding around to the end and making a move that last 10 laps, your gonna need to do it early especially with the final segment being kinda short. Pocono's final segment will be 80 laps long which isn't very long especially at 180 mph. The points will be paid the same as they were last season. Drivers will give it their all at the end especially with not just a playoff berth on the line but also 5 playoff points are on the line which may be crucial at the end. Below is the finishing order from Talladega last may and how the points would be paid out. 
  1. Brad Keselowski - 40 points + 5 playoff points
  2. Kyle Busch - 39 points
  3. Austin Dillon - 38 points
  4. Jamie McMurray - 37 points
  5. Chase Elliott - 36 points
  6. Tony Stewart - 35 points
  7. Clint Bowyer - 34 points
  8. Kurt Busch - 33 points
  9. Ryan Newman - 32 points
  10. Trevor Bayne - 31 points
  11. Landon Cassill - 30 points
  12. Michael Waltrip - 29 points
  13. Martin Truex Jr. - 28 points
  14. AJ Allmendinger - 27 points
  15. Kevin Harvick - 26 points
  16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - 25 points
  17. David Gilliland - 24 points
  18. Cole Whitt - 23 points
  19. Bobby Labonte - 22 points
  20. Greg Biffle - 21 points
  21. Michael McDowell - 20 points
  22. Jimmie Johnson - 19 points
  23. Matt Kenseth - 18 points
  24. Danica Patrick - 17 points
  25. Joey Logano - 16 points
  26. Paul Menard - 15 points
  27. Aric Almirola - 14 points
  28. Ryan Newman - 13 points
  29. Kyle Larson - 12 points
  30. Brian Scott - 11 points
  31. Denny Hamlin - 10 points
  32. Regan Smith - 9 points
  33. Casey Mears - 8 points
  34. David Ragan - 7 points
  35. Carl Edwards - 6 points
  36. Matt DiBenedetto - 5 points
  37. Chris Buescher - 4 points
  38. Michael Annett - 3 points
  39. Kasey Kahne - 2 points
  40. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 1 point

Extra Notes 

  • For the first time since 1971 points will begin to be paid in the Can-Am Duels. The top 10 in each duel race will receive points as noted above like in the first segment. 1st place gains 10 points while 10th place receives 1 point. A driver can have the possibility to gain a max of 70 points leaving speedweeks by winning the Can-Am Duel, Both Segments in the Daytona 500, and winning the Daytona 500.
  • This format will be seen in the NASCAR Xfinity Series also. It is unknown at this time if Dash For Cash Heat Racing Will Return or not. 
  • The Caution Clock is no longer in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. This format will be used in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series also. 
  • The Playoffs will remain in the style it has in the past with the final four competing for the championship at Homestead. That will remain the same in all three NASCAR divisions. 
  • Should you have anymore questions, Don't hesitate to shoot me a Facebook Message or email at christiank9540@gmail.com, I'd be glad to clear up any confusion. 

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