Kyle Larson debates purpose of stage points, call them "participation awards"

The concept of stage points in NASCAR has recently sparked a debate among drivers. NASCAR recently reintroduced the Chase format after a 13-year hiatus, which means stages were not part of the original format. At a recent race in Kansas, Kyle Larson was the first driver to earn the maximum points available - 55 for the race win, 20 for winning both stages, and an additional point for the fastest lap bonus.

Larson was recently quizzed about the impact of stage points during the Chase, particularly during a podcast. He admitted that he hadn't given much thought to the subject, but recognized that stage points appear to hold significant importance, especially during the Chase. He pointed out that Ryan Preece, a Chase driver who has consistently finished in the top-10 in all races, has accumulated around five stage points during the Chase.

Despite this, Preece has not made any significant progress up the standings. Larson suggested that while stage points reward drivers for running at the front all race, there should be more emphasis on rewarding consistent, good finishes.

To illustrate the point, Larson pointed out that a team like his, which might not qualify in the top-15, could still finish in the top-10 if they grind their way through the race, even if they run an 11th place in every stage. He emphasized that NASCAR is the only series that awards such "participation points" in competition.