The all-important Nextel Cup Championship is based upon a points system (shown below) that rewards drivers depending on how they finish each week. Forty-three starting positions are available for each Nextel Cup race. In addition, all drivers leading at least one lap during a race will receive five bonus points and the driver leading the most laps is awarded another five bonus points.
After the 26th Nextel Cup Series race, all drivers in the top 12 have their points reset. These drivers will earn a berth in what NASCAR® has dubbed the "Chase for the Championship." All 12 drivers will have their point totals re-set to 5,000; each will then receive a 10-point bonus for each race victory they had during the first 26 races. Only drivers with points reset are eligible for the "Chase for the Championship." The drivers not involved in the championship will keep the points they have earned to that point in the season.
At the end of the season, the driver with the most points is the Nextel Cup Champion.
![Global [change]](/globalassets/v3/images/en_US/topNav_Mn_count.gif)
