Bristol Shakeup: Four Drivers Eliminated as NASCAR Cup Series Heads to New Hampshire
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after an unpredictable Bristol Night race that saw the return of the ‘chaos tire,’ the first four drivers were eliminated from the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff fight: Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen, Austin Dillon and Josh Berry.
The series now heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, wich returns to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. Christopher Bell, who just completed a Joe Gibbs Racing sweep of the Round of 16 with his bristol win, is also the defending winner at NHMS.
Bell was also one of three drivers that got to take part in a recent Goodyear tire test at the Magic Mile, alongside Joey Logano and Ross Chastain.
NASCAR Stage racing: A Complete Guide
NASCAR isn’t your grandfather’s racing anymore. The introduction of stage racing in 2017 dramatically changed the dynamic of races,adding more strategy and excitement for fans. But what exactly *is* stage racing, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.
What Are Stages?
Simply put,NASCAR races are now divided into three segments – stages. Each race is broken up into roughly equal portions. The exact length varies depending on the track, but the principle remains the same. These stages aren’t just arbitrary checkpoints; they have real consequences.
How Does Stage Racing Work?
Here’s the core of it: the top 10 drivers who finish a stage earn points. These aren’t just participation trophies. Stage points contribute to a driver’s overall championship standings.A stage win is worth 10 points, second place gets 8, and it scales down to 1 point for tenth place. This creates intense battles within the race, not just for the overall win.
But it doesn’t stop there. After each stage, there’s a caution period.This allows teams to service their cars – changing tires, adding fuel, and making adjustments. It’s a mini-pit stop within the race, forcing strategic decisions. Do you prioritize stage points, or save your best equipment for the final stage and the overall race win?
Why Was Stage Racing Introduced?
NASCAR implemented stage racing for a few key reasons. First, it aimed to increase excitement and create more compelling racing throughout the entire event. Before, races could sometimes lull in the middle. Now, there’s always something to fight for. Second, it added another layer of strategy for teams. They must balance short-term gains (stage points) with long-term goals (the race win and championship).
The Impact on Strategy
Stage racing has fundamentally altered pit strategy. Teams can’t simply save their best tires and fuel for the end. They frequently enough have to gamble, using their best resources to contend for stage wins.This can lead to unpredictable outcomes and thrilling finishes. you’ll see drivers aggressively battling for position in the closing laps of a stage, knowing a good finish can significantly boost their points total.
It also impacts how drivers approach restarts. A restart after a stage is frequently enough chaotic, with drivers jockeying for position. A strong restart can quickly propel a driver to the front and secure valuable stage points.
Playoff Implications
Stage points are crucial during the NASCAR Playoffs.They act as a tiebreaker if multiple drivers are tied in points. A driver who consistently performs well in stages has a critically important advantage when the championship is on the line. Don’t underestimate the power of those stage points – they can be the difference between advancing to the next round and being eliminated.
Where to Learn More
Want to dive deeper into the specifics? Check out the official NASCAR rules and regulations: https://www.nascar.com/rules/. You can also find detailed analysis and race recaps on reputable motorsports news sites like Motorsport.com.