http://www.nascar.com/news/110126/na...ges/index.html
Competition changes revealed
NASCAR has announced its changes for 2011, chief among them a simpler points system and a wild-card element to the Chase that rewards winning.
Caraviello: Changes made with hardcore fans in mind | Video: Changes announced
Changes for 2011 include emphasis on winning
Final two Chase spots based on victories; simpler points system identified
While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of victories during the first 26 races.
The top 10 in points following Race No. 26 -- the "cutoff" race -- continue to earn Chase berths.
Positions 11 and 12 are "wild-card" qualifiers and will go to non-top-10-ranked drivers with the most victories, as long as they're ranked in the top 20 in points.
The top 10 Chase drivers will continue to be seeded based on victories during the first 26 races, with each win worth three bonus points.
The new points system -- which applies to all NASCAR national series -- will award points in one-point increments.
As an example, in the Cup Series, race winners will earn 43 points, plus three bonus points for the victory.
Winners also can earn an extra point for leading a lap and leading the most laps, bringing their total to a possible maximum of 48 points.
All other drivers in a finishing order will be separated by one-point increments.
A second-place finisher will earn 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on.
A last-place finisher -- 43rd place -- earns one point.
"Many of our most loyal fans don't fully understand the points system we have used to date," said France, referencing the system that has been in use since 1975.
Other competitive enhancements announced Wednesday:
Pick a Series -- Drivers in all three national series now must select the series where they'll compete for a
drivers' championship.
Drivers still may compete in multiple series and help their teams win
owners' titles in series where they're not competing for a drivers' title.
The move helps
spotlight young talent in the Nationwide and Truck series.
New Qualifying Procedure -- The qualifying order will be set based upon slowest-to-fastest practice speeds.
Inclement Weather Qualifying -- If bad weather cancels qualifying, the final starting lineup will be determined by practice speeds.
The same rule book procedures will be used to determine eligibility to start a race.
If weather cancels practice sessions, then the starting lineup will be set by points, per the rule book.
Tire Rules Revision -- Cup teams now are allowed five sets of tires for practice and qualifying instead of six.
They must return four of those sets to Goodyear in order to receive their race allotment, and may keep one set of practice/qualifying tires.
Tire allotments for race weekends will vary according to historical performance data.
Closed Loop Fueling System -- Introduced in the Truck Series, this goes into effect for all three national series in 2011.
It combines a more efficient fueling system with the elimination of the catch-can man, considered the most "vulnerable" pit-crew member.
Teams now will use six, rather than seven, over-the-wall pit-crew members.
Evolution of Cup Car -- NASCAR continues to work with the manufacturers and teams to enhance the look of the Cup Series car.
The cars have new fronts this season and the body makeover will continue to help appeal to fans and aid manufacturer identity.
Which change for 2011 are you most excited about?
One title per series = 31 %
Qualifying procedures = 13 %
Simpler points = 29 %
Tires and Fuel = 3 %
Wild card to Chase = 24 %
Total Votes: 2791
http://www.nascar.com/news/110126/co...llo/index.html
Changes made with hardcore fans in mind
As times dictate trying something new, certain faction yearns for days of old
Competition changes
NASCAR has announced its changes for 2011, chief among them a simpler points system and a wild-card element to the Chase that rewards winning.
Competitive enhancements - Sound off: France, Helton
But for those fans who still cling tightly to yesterday, so important in a sport that holds up its history like a trophy, there's only one potential change that matters. And they shouldn't be expecting it anytime soon.
http://www.nascar.com/video/preview/...011/index.html
Junior says it's time for shorter races
France says some have been shortened; nothing drastic imminent.
Aversion to spotlight
It's like this huge, pink elephant that nobody wants to talk about. -- DALE EARNHARDT JR.
Times of last year's races
Track Miles* Time
Charlotte 600 4:08:20
Atlanta 500.5 3:59:59
Atlanta 500.5 3:52:43
Phoenix 375 3:48:14
Daytona 500 3:47:16
Pocono 500 3:46:51
Pocono 500 3:44:30
Martinsville 263 3:40:20
Martinsville 263 3:39:05
Charlotte 501 3:34:07
Texas 501 3:34:01
Talladega 500.1 3:31:58
Fontana 500 3:31:24
Texas 501 3:25:34
Bristol 266.5 3:20:50
Homestead 400.5 3:09:50
Dover 400 3:06:21
Daytona 400 3:03:28
Talladega 500.1 3:03:23
Dover 400 3:02:27
Fontana 400 3:01:53
Richmond 300 3:00:47
Loudon 317.4 2:58:22
Sonoma 218.9 2:56:38
Indianapolis 400 2:56:24
Kansas 400.5 2:54:02
Richmond 300 2:52:55
Las Vegas 400.5 2:49:53
Loudon 318.5 2:48:38
Chicago 400.5 2:45:34
Bristol 266.5 2:41:24
Michigan 400 2:33:28
Watkins Glen 220.5 2:23:52
Drive for Diversity reveals 2011 lineup
Ten chosen to compete for Revolution Racing in two regional series.
About D4D program
http://www.nascar.com/news/110126/dp...ein/index.html
Revamped RPM could make play for Danica
Partner Murstein would like to see a third car in the RPM stable come 2012
I'm already talking to other drivers and mentioning the names to Richard. He's accepting it but not jumping at it. He knows more than I do. -- ANDREW MURSTEIN