Thu, 23 Jan 2020, 09:14 AM NHRA Announces Changes to Countdown to the Championship Points Structure

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

POMONA, Calif. - The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship will see some new elements this year. Competitors in the premier series may earn their way into the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA's version of the playoffs, by one of two ways.

As in previous years, the top ten drivers in each of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series categories at the conclusion of the NHRA U.S. Nationals will earn positions in the Countdown to the Championship.

New for 2020, drivers in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series who meet a minimum set of requirements will also earn their place in the playoffs.

In NHRA's Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, collectively referred to as "Nitro," drivers who compete at all 18 events in the regular season and run a minimum of two qualifying sessions at each event will also earn their place in the playoffs.

In Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, drivers who compete at all 13 or 11 events, respectively, in the regular season and run a minimum of two qualifying sessions at each event will get to compete for the championship in five events throughout the Countdown to the Championship.

Those who secure a position in the Countdown to the Championship will have their NHRA Mello Yello points adjusted at the conclusion of the NHRA U.S. Nationals. In the Nitro categories, first and second place will be separated by 20 points and each consecutive position will be separated by a 10-point differential. In Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, first and second place will be separated by 20 points while second through fifth place will be separated by 10 points and all following positions will be separated by five points.

Accumulation of points will remain the same, with points-and-a-half rewarded at the Auto Club NHRA Finals. The top ten drivers at the conclusion of the Countdown to the Championship will be recognized at NHRA's annual awards banquet.

NHRA officials made this change in order to better reward driver endurance and encourage participation in regular season events.

NHRA: 10 Most Recent Entries [ top ]

Feb 19- PHOENIX - Alexis DeJoria Returns in Style, Heads to NHRA Arizona Nationals with Plenty of Momentum
Feb 18- Top Fuel Veteran Doug Foley Set to Make Return at NHRA Arizona Nationals
Feb 18- Dave Richards Keyed Up for 10 race 2020 NHRA Schedule, Debuting Patriotic Theme in Gainesville
Feb 18- PHOENIX - Antron Brown Embracing Journey to Get Back On Top Approaching NHRA Arizona Nationals
Feb 13- PHOENIX - Matt Hagan Still Feeling Effects of Strong Finish to 2019 Season Heading to NHRA Arizona Nationals
Feb 12- POMONA 1 - Auto Imagery Round One Top End
Feb 12- History for Doug Kalitta with Third Consecutive Winternationals Win
Feb 12- Beckman Wins Season-Opener at Home Track; Occupies Funny Car Points Lead
Feb 12- John Force and Austin Prock Finish Runner-Up at the NHRA Winternationals
Feb 12- Jeg Coughlin Jr. Conquers Pomona with Truly Impressive Pro Stock Performance