NASCAR, in a manner, is taking notes from F1’s outdated playbook. The American inventory automotive collection lately renewed its long-standing partnership with Comcast, and as a part of the brand new deal, the sanctioning physique is introducing the ‘Xfinity Quickest Lap’ level.
Because it stands, the driving force and crew who secures the quickest race lap throughout any given points-paying race might be awarded the “bonus level.” The rule spans throughout all three nationwide divisions and will present some further drama throughout the important playoff races the place a single level is usually the distinction in advancing ahead or going through sure elimination. It should additionally change the way in which some opponents method the superspeedway races — the place a mega-draft on the proper second is all one must lock down the quickest lap.
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota, Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photograph by: Sean Gardner / Getty Photos
The introduction of a bonus level for a quickest lap is reminiscent Method 1’s quickest lap level system (which the collection discontinued going into the 2025 season). However in F1, the purpose was not given to a non-points scorer in the event that they earned the quickest lap. NASCAR has carried out no such boundaries, opening it up for any driver who’s eligible for the championship to safe the quickest lap bonus. The one notable ‘guidelines’ are as follows: Within the case of a tie, the driving force who completed the race in the next place might be awarded the bonus level; and Championship 4 drivers will not be awarded the bonus level in the event that they earn the Xfinity Quickest Lap within the title-decider, which is smart as they don’t seem to be eligible for stage factors both.
For F1, the quickest lap bonus level created controversial moments, akin to when drivers who had been fully out of rivalry would take an additional cease simply to disclaim a rival the bonus level, usually with the aim of serving to their very own teammate. This might definitely occur in NASCAR as properly with teammates and producer allies paying shut consideration to it throughout the postseason.
If such a rule had existed final yr in NASCAR, Kyle Larson, who had the quickest lap in 5 races — greater than another driver that season — may have gained the common season title. Even two of these extra 5 factors would have been the distinction, as he misplaced to Tyler Reddick by a single level.
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