The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has come to a close with Tyler Reddick emerging as the champion at Darlington. However, the excitement is far from over as the focus now shifts to the Cup playoffs, where the ultimate Series title will be determined over the next 10 races. For those who may be new to the NASCAR Cup playoffs or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered with a simplified guide on how it all works.
A Decade of Evolution:
The current playoff format has come a long way from its origins as ‘The Chase’ back in 2004. Initially involving ten drivers vying to accumulate more points than their competitors over the final ten races of the season, the system has evolved significantly in the modern era. A decade ago, NASCAR introduced an expanded playoff field, eliminations, and a structure of ten races divided into four distinct rounds to determine the Cup Series Season Champion.
16 Contenders:
Following the first 26 races of the season, every full-time driver who has secured a win automatically qualifies for the playoffs. The remaining spots in the 16-driver playoff field are filled by those with the most regular season points but no wins during the year. In the 2024 season, Martin Truex Jr. and Ty Gibbs were the only drivers to make it into the playoffs based on points alone.
Points Reset:
Once the playoff field is set, the standings reset with each playoff driver receiving 2,000 playoff points. Bonus points accumulated during the regular season are added to this total, with five points awarded for each race win, one point for each stage win, and additional points for the top ten drivers in the standings before the reset. The regular season champion receives a significant bonus of 15 points. Despite the reset, non-playoff drivers continue to compete with the goal of securing race wins.
Three Rounds of Elimination:
The playoffs are divided into three rounds of elimination, each with its own set of challenges and surprises for the drivers.
Round of 16:
The first three races of the playoffs constitute the Round of 16, where the four lowest drivers in points (typically 13th through 16th) are eliminated from title contention. A win by any playoff driver, regardless of their points position, automatically advances them to the next round. This round is where many ‘pretenders’ often fall out of the playoffs, as drivers who may not be competitive throughout the season manage to secure a victory. However, the introduction of drafting tracks like Atlanta and road courses adds a new dynamic to this year’s Round of 16.
Round of 12:
The points reset to 3,000 for the Round of 12, with all bonus points added back from the regular season and the Round of 16. Another three races determine the four drivers who will be eliminated, leaving half of the original playoff field remaining. This round is known for its unpredictability, with surprises and unexpected exits due to the inclusion of road courses and drafting tracks in the lineup.
Round of 8:
The points reset to 4,000 for the Round of 8, with additional bonus points earned during this round added to the total. After another three races, the bottom four drivers without a win are eliminated. A win by any of the remaining eight drivers automatically secures them a spot in the Championship 4. This round is filled with drama and tension as the championship draws near, often leading to physical altercations and intense competition among the drivers.
Championship 4:
The finale of the playoffs features the four remaining drivers battling it out in the final race of the season at Phoenix Raceway. The points are reset to 5,000, and no stage points are awarded during the race for the Championship 4 drivers. The format is straightforward – the driver who finishes highest in the race wins the title. Since the current format’s inception, the champion has had to win the finale every season except for the previous year when Ross Chastain became the first non-playoff driver to win the title-decider.
What to Expect:
Phoenix Raceway, known for its wild restarts and strategic racing, has hosted the championship finale since 2020. With pole position playing a crucial role in recent championship races, qualifying becomes a key factor in determining the title outcome. The Championship 4 drivers are guaranteed to select their pit boxes before the rest of the field, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown to crown the season champion.
Final Thoughts:
The NASCAR Cup playoffs offer a thrilling and unpredictable conclusion to the season, where anything can happen on the track. The format allows for underdogs to shine and dominant drivers to face unexpected challenges, making for an exciting and intense competition. While it may not be the traditional way to crown a champion, the NASCAR Cup playoffs never fail to deliver excitement and drama for fans and drivers alike.