The decision to scrap the previous system, in effect since 1975, came after NASCAR realized that it was too hard to understand and track. Until now, drivers are awarded 185 points for the win, with five points lost for every spot below that, down to the sixth place and so on.
Currently in desperate need to draw more people to the sport, NASCAR is doing what it can to prove that it is open to change. The new points system is part of that strategy, along with the clearance to use bio-fuel and the redesign for the 2013 Sprint cars.
"Many of our most loyal fans don't fully understand the points system we have used to date," NASCAR CEO Brian France was quoted as saying by Autosport.
"So, we are simplifying the points system to one that is much easier to understand. Conceptually, it is comparable to our previous system, but it is easier to follow."
The 43 to 1 scale will be accompanied by a bonus system, which will award three bonus points to the winner, one to each driver who leads a lap and one for leading the most laps. As a result of the new points system, the Chase format changed as well.
The top ten drivers of the regular season will be automatically entered in the Chase, while an extra two spots are reserved for those not in the top ten, but who won the most races (if there isn't any driver in this situation, points standings will determine who gets a shot at the title).
"The fans tell us that winning matters the most with them, so we're combining the tradition of consistency in our sport with the excitement that comes along with winning," added France.
"This makes every race count leading into the 26th race of the season at Richmond, when we set the field for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup."
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