Tallying Up the Score

If you are a NASCAR fan, you know there is a pointposition. The third place driver is given 160 points. Each
system that also goes along with the game. There is adriver can still be awarded points depending on the
little more to winning than just being the first to crossnumber of laps they were in the lead during the race.
the finish line. Racing is a highly competitive sport with aOnce the second place vehicle crosses the finish line,
large number of competitors. The drivers have twothe remaining racers also get points. However, the
separate categories they can earn points to put thempoints are lessened as the cars cross the line.
in the lead. The first is the Lap Led, this is how manyThe points continue to be added by tens to the scores
laps the driver led the race. The second is the Finaluntil the fifth place driver crosses the line. The sixth
Position, this is a point system that awards a numberplace driver through the tenth place driver are
of points according to the place the driver came in at.awarded four points. From the eleventh place driver to
These systems look at the overall performance of thethe last place driver, receive three points each. This
drivers throughout the race. This seems to keep thesystem gives all of the drivers a chance, even after a
fans watching the race the whole time.lost race.
To be considered the lap leader, the driver needs toIn some NASCAR events the winning driver can also
be in the front of the rest of the cars. They only havebe given bonus points. The Nextel Cup, or what will
to finish a lap first, they are not required to be in thesoon be referred to as the Sprint Cup is one that
first position through the whole lap, only final secondsgives out bonus points. For a driver to receive these
of the lap. Five points are given to the driver leadingbonus points, he or she needs to have previously won
the group for certain laps. These points are added toa race in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. The bonus
the final position points. If the driver crosses the finishpoints are usually ten additional points.
line in first place, he or she is awarded five additionalIf a race car driver does not complete a race, he or
points. The driver can receive a total of ten pointsshe is unable to obtain any points for the race. The
because of the number of laps they were in the lead.reason for not completing the race is completely
The maximum points that can be awarded are to theirrelevant. If another driver replaces the original driver,
person in the first place position at the end of the race.neither one will receive any points. However, the race
He or she is given an additional 180 points.will still be counted.
The driver to place second, receives 170 points for the