NASCAR has introduced a new incentive for drivers across its three National Touring Series by awarding an additional point for the fastest lap in each race. Announced on Tuesday, the Xfinity Fastest Lap will grant a bonus point in the Cup, Xfinity, and Craftsman Truck Series, impacting both drivers’ and team owners’ standings.
Alongside the bonus point, NASCAR will also provide a monetary award for the driver who records the fastest lap in the most races over the season. The reward is set at $30,000 for Cup, $20,000 for Xfinity, and $10,000 for Trucks, with the money designated for a charity or community-related cause chosen by the winning driver.
Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnership & Engagement at Comcast, emphasized that this initiative marks a fresh chapter in Comcast’s long-standing partnership with NASCAR. He described it as a way to inject new energy into the competition while enhancing fan engagement.
In cases where multiple drivers record the fastest lap in the same race, the tiebreaker will be their finishing positions. If a driver is ineligible for championship points, their team owner will still receive the bonus in the owners’ championship standings. However, drivers who are disqualified will not receive the bonus point. Additionally, Championship 4 drivers can qualify for the charitable bonus but will not receive the extra point.
Had this system been in place in 2024, the championship battle could have played out differently. Kyle Larson, who recorded the fastest lap five times in the Cup Series during the regular season, lost the regular-season title to Tyler Reddick by just one point. The introduction of the fastest lap bonus could have shifted the playoff landscape for him. Similarly, Christopher Bell would have benefited from an extra point in the Round of 8 at Las Vegas, potentially altering his late-race battle with William Byron in the Xfinity 500.
With this new incentive, drivers and teams may adjust their strategies, such as pitting late at road courses or holding back on superspeedways to secure a fast lap.
The first race featuring the Xfinity Fastest Lap will be the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh from Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The event will air on Fox Sports 1, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).
