NASCAR’s points system is as unique as it is complex and controversial. Unlike other motorsports series around the world, where points are given just on the basis of finishing positions, NASCAR, along with race results, also awards points for performance during the different stages of the race. The race is broken down into three stages, and along with the race wins, the drivers are awarded points at the end of each stage.
For years, NASCAR has taken pride in its ability to evolve and adapt to the conditions. Ever since NASCAR introduced the playoff system, they have been constantly tweaking it to make it better and enhance the competition. But with every change comes controversy. And the same is also true for the playoff system and the stage points.
Bell made history last weekend as he became the first driver to win three consecutive races in the Next Gen era. But even after winning 3 races out of 4 races so far this season, the driver of the No. 20 car found himself in second place in the points table. Whereas, William Byron, who has just won one race, is in first place. How is this possible?
When wins don’t matter
It’s all possible because of the stage points, William Byron is in the first position with 49 stage points, whereas Bell is in 7th position with just 26 points, this 23-point difference has led to Bell being second in the points table with Byron in 1st position. Although both drivers have one stage win each, the HMS driver has better finishes on average compared to Bell overall and that reflects on the numbers.
The debate surrounding stage racing is intense within the racing community, and fans were curious to see if Bell shared a similar sentiment. But, he took everyone by surprise when Bob Pockrass asked him about trailing to Byron despite taking more checkered flags home.
“I genuinely think that the points format is really cool the way it is, because it rewards running well through the entire race…William Byron, the car that I’m racing, he’s scored more stage points than me. So I’m content with the point system and understand that the reason why I’m not leading the points is because I haven’t scored stage points,” Christopher Bell said in an interview ahead of the Las Vegas race.
While Bell appeared diplomatic about the points system, there was also an implication of frustration and determination, “I think it’ll sort itself out once we get more races into the regular season, where the cream will rise to the top.” A total of 10 points are awarded to a stage winner and this number trickles down to 1 point for the 10th place finishing driver. So drivers finishing the stage inside of the top 10 places get extra points, and this is what Bell will need to target in upcoming races to close the gap on the points leader.
Christopher Bell is going for his fourth consecutive win but doesn’t lead the points. Does that bother him? @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/C50IcEk3rw
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 16, 2025
Bell also hinted at how he has managed to make the most of the current system to prioritize winning, “I’ve gotten great finishes and won the races, but what was it? Atlanta, I led one lap, and at COTA, I led nine laps.” Bell’s ability to finish strong despite not being at the front throughout the race is proof of his strategic approach to racing and his ability to seize the opportunity when it matters the most. While he’s using the win and you’re in strategy for the time being, he will need to dance to tunes stage racing the format. He wouldn’t want to miss out on the playoff bonus points that also come with stage wins.
Christopher Bell looking at the bigger picture
As fans and experts continue the debate regarding NASCAR’s point system, one question is on everyone’s mind, can Bell finally win it all? He has proved that he has the skills and the talent to succeed at the highest stage. Last year he came close to winning the championship, but can he seal the deal this year?
“Certainly, after race 26, the regular season points championship is one of the goals we’ve had the last couple of years, and we have fallen short. I have never won the regular season championship – but that is definitely a goal. The 15 points a really big deal. A really big advantage once you get into the post season, so I’m not really concerned with leading the points right now, but definitely once we get to race 24, 25, 26 – at the end of the regular season – that is a huge carrot to chase, and I will be chasing it,” said Christopher Bell when asked about leading the points table and his championship dreams.
Bell understands that regular season standings play a huge role in the big picture. Last year, Tyler Reddick who won the regular season championship was able to stay afloat until the Round of 8 all thanks to those extra 15 bonus points. Meanwhile, there was Kyle Larson, who despite leading the charts in terms of wins in the regular season couldn’t seal the deal. Now that the No. 20 team has got enough wins in their bags they can focus on their next agenda, which will be stage wins and more playoff points.
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