NASCAR ponders point system overhaul

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- NASCAR, looking to rev up its appeal, is considering an overhaul of the points system for its three national race series, various media reported Tuesday.

The revisions being contemplated for the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series include awarding 43 points for the race winner and then a one-point drop for each place finish from there, down to one point for the 43rd driver.

Sprint and Nationwide races have a 43-driver field, while the truck series has 36 drivers.

Under the current system, which has been tweaked several times since being put in place in 1975, winners in each of the three series receives 185 points. Bonuses are awarded to drivers who lead at least one lap and for the driver who leads the most laps.

Fifteen points separate the first-place and second-place drivers, with five points separating each finishing position from second to sixth, four points for the sixth to 11th spots and three points for 11th-43rd.

NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France is expected to make announcements regarding the sport during the racing organization's annual media tour next week in Charlotte, N.C.

NASCAR has been around since 1949.