10-race Chase for the Cup crowns series champion

By NASCAR.COM
July 17, 2008
01:45 PM EDT

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The Chase for the Cup was implemented in 2004 to involve more drivers in the championship hunt, and intensify fan interest and drama during the season's stretch run.

The first 26 points events of the 36-race season determine the drivers eligible for the Chase and, ultimately, the series title. After race No. 26 the top 12 drivers will qualify for the Chase.

Chase drivers' point totals are adjusted prior to the season's final 10 races -- the Chase. The adjusted totals distinguish the Chase field in the final season standings.

Each of the 12 Chase drivers begin with 5,000 points; each then receive a 10-point bonus for each victory during the first 26 events. Chase drivers are "seeded" to start the Chase based on the number of wins amassed in the first 26 events.

However, Chase participants compete with all other drivers during the final 10 races. Each week, all 43 drivers battle for victories and prize money and continue their seasons under the standard point system.

The driver who tops the Chase standings at the end of the final 10 races will be crowned the Cup Series champion.

Race Points

Cup Series

Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points

1	185	11	130	21	100	31	70	41	40
2	170	12	127	22	97	32	67	42	37
3	165	13	124	23	94	33	64	43	34
4	160	14	121	24	91	34	61
5	155	15	118	25	88	35	58
6	150	16	115	26	85	36	55
7	146	17	112	27	82	37	52
8	142	18	109	28	79	38	49
9	138	19	106	29	76	39	46
10	134	20	103	30	73	40	43

Additional starters or nonqualifiers deduct three points per position.

Note: In addition to the points allocated, any driver who leads a lap during a race receives five bonus points. The driver who leads the most laps receives an additional five bonus points. Maximum points per race: 195.

Also

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Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points

1	185	11	130	21	100	31	70	41	40
2	170	12	127	22	97	32	67	42	37
3	165	13	124	23	94	33	64	43	34
4	160	14	121	24	91	34	61
5	155	15	118	25	88	35	58
6	150	16	115	26	85	36	55
7	146	17	112	27	82	37	52
8	142	18	109	28	79	38	49
9	138	19	106	29	76	39	46
10	134	20	103	30	73	40	43

Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points

1	185	11	130	21	100	31	70	41	40
2	170	12	127	22	97	32	67	42	37
3	165	13	124	23	94	33	64	43	34
4	160	14	121	24	91	34	61
5	155	15	118	25	88	35	58
6	150	16	115	26	85	36	55
7	146	17	112	27	82	37	52
8	142	18	109	28	79	38	49
9	138	19	106	29	76	39	46
10	134	20	103	30	73	40	43

Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points	Finish	Points

1	185	11	130	21	100	31	70	41	40
2	170	12	127	22	97	32	67	42	37
3	165	13	124	23	94	33	64	43	34
4	160	14	121	24	91	34	61
5	155	15	118	25	88	35	58
6	150	16	115	26	85	36	55
7	146	17	112	27	82	37	52
8	142	18	109	28	79	38	49
9	138	19	106	29	76	39	46
10	134	20	103	30	73	40	43