NASCAR can’t seem to catch a break, as yet another controversy has plagued them amid playoff format complaints. In the playoff season opener, Josh Berry’s unexpected fastest lap at Darlington ignited a firestorm of debate. Despite crashing on the opening lap and spending over 100 laps in the garage, Berry returned to the track and set the fastest lap of the race, earning a bonus point. This has led to widespread criticism of the fairness of awarding points to the driver who is significantly off the pace. But amid the naysayers, some support rises.

NASCAR’s introduction of a fastest lap bonus across all its national series has added a strategic twist to the season of opportunity that rewards more than just finishing position. This rule hands an extra championship point to the driver who lo

See Full Page