What if 2024 followed NASCAR’s old format? It’s a question that sparks curiosity among fans who remember the sport’s earlier days. Could the NASCAR championship results have turned out differently? With debates raging over the fairness of the current elimination system, it’s worth exploring how past points systems might have changed everything. From the Lapford system to the original Chase, each format tells a different story. Who would have claimed the title under these rules?
Could NASCAR’s Old Format Have Avoided the 2024 Playoff Drama?
Joey Logano won the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, but his victory caused some controversy. Many fans don’t support the elimination format, which decides who moves on in the playoffs. Under this system, drivers are eliminated after each round of races, which means a driver could have a bad race and still make it to the final. Fans feel this takes away from the idea of a championship being about a whole season of hard work and consistency.
The main problem fans have with the elimination format is that it focuses too much on one race, instead of rewarding drivers who perform well all season. In the past, NASCAR’s point system rewarded consistency, where a driver’s overall performance was what mattered. But now, with eliminations, a single race can decide the championship, and some feel that’s not fair. They think it’s more about luck than skill, and that doesn’t sit well with a lot of long-time fans.
Even though some fans aren’t happy with the current system, NASCAR still stands by it. They believe the excitement and drama it creates is good for the sport. But the debate isn’t over, and many fans still question whether this system is the best for the future of NASCAR.
Revisiting NASCAR’s past reveals how alternate point systems could have drastically altered the 2024 championship race. Exploring hypothetical scenarios provides fresh perspectives on strategy, rivalries, and the season’s ultimate winner.
2014-2016: The Elimination Chase
Under the 2014 to 2016 elimination format, things get a little more interesting. William Byron, for example, would have been eliminated in the round of 16—an aspect where the current system rewards consistency more than the older formats. The early elimination system was less forgiving to drivers who were performing well but not winning races. In this version, Joey Logano would have still found his way to the championship, but the race to the final four would have been more competitive, with Chris Buescher making it into the round of eight and more surprises throughout the season.
2011-2013: The Wild Card Chase
The Wild Card Chase, in place from 2011 to 2013, allowed for the inclusion of drivers who didn’t necessarily win races but performed well enough in points. Joey Logano, despite not winning a race in this era, would have made it to the chase on points, finishing sixth. Christopher Bell, with his consistent top-five finishes, would have gone on to win the championship, edging out William Byron and Kyle Larson in a close race.
2007-2010: The 12-Man Chase
In the 12-man chase format, which was implemented between 2007 and 2010, the championship battle would have been even more intense. The competition for the final spots in the chase was fierce, and with penalties and mediocre performances from top drivers like Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr., we would have seen some unexpected names in the hunt for the championship. Christopher Bell, as a result of consistent performances, would have claimed the title again under this format, showing that consistency and race performance were key to winning under this points system.
2004-2006: The Original Chase Format
From 2004 to 2006, NASCAR’s original Chase system awarded championship spots only to the top 10 drivers, with a wild card for those within 400 points of the leader. Under this format, Bell would have had a comfortable lead, with William Byron in second, although a few things could have changed had Bell faltered in the final races. Despite that, Bell would have walked away with the championship, demonstrating the importance of consistency and staying out of trouble throughout the season.
The Lapford System (1975-2003)
The most interesting format to analyze, and arguably the most competitive, is the Lapford system used from 1975 to 2003. This system was more focused on consistency and finishing races rather than just winning. It offered a unique view of how competitive the season was, with points being awarded based on finishes and laps completed. The 2024 season, if applied to this system, would have seen a dramatic points battle, with Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, and Tyler Reddick all fighting for the title. Bell, despite facing a 400-point deficit earlier in the season, surged ahead in the final races to win the championship by a slim margin.
Pre-Modern Point Systems
NASCAR’s early point systems—such as the Finish and Laps system (1972-1974) and the Mileage system (1968-1971)—rewarded drivers for consistent finishes and laps completed, making them crucial for winning the championship. Under these systems, drivers like Chase Elliott would have excelled, as he was consistently near the top in terms of laps completed and race finishes. In fact, under the Finish and Laps system, Elliott would have won the championship with ease, showing the importance of finishing races consistently and avoiding DNFs.
The Money Systems (1949-1967)
Finally, the earliest point systems, known as the Money Systems, were based on prize money rather than race finishes or laps completed. This system is nearly impossible to apply today given the difference in prize money between then and now, but if we could, it’s clear that Christopher Bell would have emerged as the champion under this outdated format.
News in Brief: What If 2024 Followed NASCAR’s Old Format
Christopher Bell emerged as the top contender under most of NASCAR’s older points systems, showcasing the importance of consistency over elimination drama. Chase Elliott, with his consistent finishes, would have also been a strong contender in several formats, particularly the Lapford and Finish and Laps systems. Joey Logano’s 2024 championship win highlights the excitement of the current system, but it also fuels debate among long-time fans. Whether it’s the Lapford system, the original Chase, or others, these formats paint a different picture of what a champion could be.
ALSO READ: Christopher Bell Defeats Kyle Larson in Tulsa Shootout’s Intense Non-Wing Feature Finish
