Kyle Larson critiques stage points, calls them participation awards
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 7:50 AM
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
Kyle Larson voiced his concerns about the purpose and impact of stage points in NASCAR during a recent event at Kansas. He suggested that these points act like 'participation awards,' impacting championship dynamics. Larson was the first driver this season to earn maximum points, totaling 55 for the race win, plus 20 for winning both stages. The introduction of stage points followed NASCAR’s return to the Chase format after a 13-year absence. The debate surrounding stage points is intensifying as the postseason approaches.
- •Larson questions the value of stage points in NASCAR.
- •He earned maximum points at Kansas for the race and stages.
- •NASCAR changed the Chase format after 13 years away.
- •Debate over stage points is growing as playoffs near.
- 7:50 AMMotorsport.com — Kyle Larson debates purpose of stage points, call them "participation awards"
- 7:50 AMYahoo Sports — Kyle Larson debates purpose of stage points, call them "participation awards"
"The purpose of stage points and the impact they have on the championship has been a growing debate in recent weeks. NASCAR brought back the Chase format (with some alterations) after 13 years away, which was before stages were ever a part of NASCAR. At Kansas, Kyle Larson was the first driver to earn maximum points this year -- 55 for the race win, 20 for winning both of the stages, and one for ...Keep reading
"Are stage points too powerful in the NASCAR Chase for the championship? Points leader Kyle Larson thinks they might be, but what do the numbers actually say?
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comOct 4, 2026, 7:50 AMKyle Larson debates purpose of stage points, call them "participation awards"
The purpose of stage points and the impact they have on the championship has been a growing debate in recent weeks. NASCAR brought back the Chase format (with some alterations) after 13 years away, which was before stages were ever a part of NASCAR. At Kansas, Kyle Larson was the first driver to earn maximum points this year -- 55 for the race win, 20 for winning both of the stages, and one for ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026, 7:50 AMKyle Larson debates purpose of stage points, call them "participation awards"
Are stage points too powerful in the NASCAR Chase for the championship? Points leader Kyle Larson thinks they might be, but what do the numbers actually say?
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