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How are points being awarded in the 2017 Daytona 500?

By Phil Naegely

Feb 19, 2017; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) watches qualifying results from the first round as they conclude for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2017; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) watches qualifying results from the first round as they conclude for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 edition of the Great American Race is almost here. How are points awarded for this year’s Daytona 500?

After an interesting Advance Auto Part Clash and Daytona 500 qualifying, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is only heating up. The 2017 season offers more chances for drivers to earn points starting with the Can-Am Duel’s two races on Thursday. Sunday’s Daytona 500 will be the first race with stages imposed within the full race.

With the addition of stages, drivers are given another way to earn points towards their season total. The top 10 finishers at the end of stages one and two earn Championship points. A stage winner earns 10 points down to the tenth place finisher receiving one point. While earning one to 10 points does not seem like a lot, winning multiple stages during a race throughout the season can add up. As a result, it could mean the difference between being a competitor in the ten-race playoff and not making the field.

Speaking of the playoffs, points reset heading into the last 10 races of the season. Stage winners and race winners can earn points that are added to their playoff point bank. However, the final race in Miami puts the final four drivers on the same field as all points are reset.

Likewise, a regular season champion will be crowned. The regular season champion will be given 15 playoff points while race winners receive five playoff points. On the other hand, stage winners earn one playoff point. Race winners and those finishing in the top 10 of a race still receive more points than during stages themselves.

While winning a race still holds great importance, picking up points here and there when not winning matters too. Many times spots in the standings are separated by single digits, and this year’s standings should be even tighter.

Stage one and two points

  • Winner – 10 championship points and one playoff point
  • Second place – nine points
  • Third place – eight points
  • Fourth place – seven points
  • Fifth place – six points
  • Sixth place – five points
  • Seventh place – four points
  • Eighth place – three points
  • Ninth place – two points
  • Tenth place – one point

End of race points

  • Winner – 40 championship points and five playoff points
  • Second place through 35th place- 35 points down to two points sliding scale
  • 36th place and lower – 1 point

While these aren’t earned during the Daytona 500, drivers can also earn bonus points at the conclusion of the regular season.

End of regular season points

  • Regular season champion – 15 playoff points
  • Second place – 10 playoff points
  • Third place through 10th place – Eight points to one point sliding scale

Next: NASCAR: TV Schedule at Daytona

There are many ways to earn points at the Daytona 500 and other races this season. The modified point system applies to the top three NASCAR series. It rewards both drivers who win and those who may not win but drive consistently throughout the season. However, points for most laps led during a race and other related bonuses are no longer given out.

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