Explained: NASCAR Cup Series Points and Championship Format
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A complete guide to the NASCAR Cup Series points system and championship format for 2025. Learn how drivers earn points and qualify for the Playoffs.
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to kick off with the highly anticipated Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16. While the season opener is fast approaching, it's crucial for fans and newcomers to understand how drivers earn points throughout the season and what it takes to secure the championship.
Understanding the NASCAR Cup Series Points System
The NASCAR Cup Series season is divided into two main segments: the Regular Season and the Playoffs. Drivers accumulate points through race finishes and stage performances, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the Playoffs.
Regular Season Points Distribution
During the Regular Season, drivers earn points based on their finishing position in each race. Here’s the breakdown:
1st – 40 points
2nd – 35 points
3rd – 34 points
4th – 33 points
5th – 32 points
6th – 31 points
7th – 30 points
8th – 29 points
9th – 28 points
10th – 27 points
11th – 26 points
12th – 25 points
13th – 24 points
14th – 23 points
15th – 22 points
16th – 21 points
17th – 20 points
18th – 19 points
19th – 18 points
20th – 17 points
21st – 16 points
22nd – 15 points
23rd – 14 points
24th – 13 points
25th – 12 points
26th – 11 points
27th – 10 points
28th – 9 points
29th – 8 points
30th – 7 points
31st – 6 points
32nd – 5 points
33rd – 4 points
34th – 3 points
35th – 2 points
36th – 1 point
37th – 1 point
38th – 1 point
39th – 1 point
40th – 1 point
Stage Points and Their Impact
Each race consists of multiple stages, and the top 10 drivers at the end of each stage earn additional points:
- 1st – 10 points
- 2nd – 9 points
- 3rd – 8 points
- …
- 10th – 1 point
Playoff Points and Qualification
Drivers who win a race automatically secure a spot in the Playoffs and earn five Playoff Points. Additionally, stage winners earn one Playoff Point per stage win.
The driver with the most Regular Season points is crowned the Regular Season Champion and receives 15 Playoff Points. Other top finishers in the Regular Season also earn Playoff Points:
1st – 15 playoff points
2nd – 10 playoff points
3rd – 8 playoff points
4th – 7 playoff points
5th – 6 playoff points
6th – 5 playoff points
7th – 4 playoff points
8th – 3 playoff points
9th – 2 playoff points
10th – 1 playoff points
Winning the Championship
Throughout the Playoffs, points reset at various stages, and drivers must perform consistently to advance through each elimination round. The final race of the season at Phoenix Raceway determines the NASCAR Cup Series Champion, with the highest-finishing driver among the final four contenders claiming the title.
Conclusion
The NASCAR Cup Series points system rewards consistency, strategic stage racing, and race wins. As the 2025 season gets underway, fans can expect intense battles for Playoff spots and the ultimate prize—becoming the NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
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