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NASCAR announced today that it has restructured its manufacturer points system for 2014, simplifying it for fans, competition and the industry, while amplifying the already passionate rivalries between each auto maker.

The new points system – which applies to all three national series – mirrors the owner championship points structure. Points will be awarded to the single highest finisher for each car manufacturer in each championship event according to the finishing position awarded for each race. Specifically, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, points will be awarded as follows (43-1, plus bonus points). Points will be awarded in a similar manner in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (43-4, plus bonus points) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (43-8, plus bonus points).

Three additional bonus points will be awarded to the manufacturer that wins the race. The single highest finisher for each manufacturer will receive one additional bonus point for leading a lap, and one additional bonus point for leading the most laps.

Example: In a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, if a Toyota finishes in each of the top three positions and the winning Toyota leads the most laps, and a Chevrolet finishes in fourth position without leading a lap, Toyota will receive 48 points and Chevrolet will receive 40 points.

“We have always focused on intensifying the natural rivalries between our manufacturers – both on the race track and in the showroom,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition and racing development. “We believe aligning the points system with the owner points will create better understanding for the entire industry, and bolster interest and excitement with our fan base, which has shown intense manufacturer loyalty throughout the sport’s history.”

At the end of the season, if two or more manufacturers have the same number of points, the manufacturers’ championship will be awarded to the manufacturer with the greatest number of first-place finishes. If there is a tie in victories, the greatest number of second-place finishes, third-place finishes, etc. will break the tie. If a tie still remains, the manufacturer having the earliest win of the current season will prevail.

I read that Dave Blaney will be running part time for a new team. Don't know what that team is.

Huh. I was watching the 2003 Darlington race last night (you know, *that* one), and Blaney gave that 77 car a helluva run that day. By all means, there were a couple times Busch and Craven should have wrecked, and Blaney could've won.

What we ended up getting was epic, but a Blaney win would have been amazing, as well.

Also, Rusty driving again will be pretty cool, I guess. I doubt he'll be in drafting practice, but I could be wrong.

As a Rusty fan growing up.... that is super awesome!! Good to see it's just for testing though. I wouldn't want to see him run a race. His time has come and gone. Again though, super awesome!

Someone else watching the classic races on premier sports then?

As much as that was a classic finish, Kurt bush was putting in some cheap shots to keep the lead. I'm glad he didn't win it

I didn't pull specifically for the guy, but always liked Rusty. Really cool that he is coming back to test at Daytona. Even though it isn't going to happen, I would love to see him run a race....in anything. Poor Chris would have to close his eyes!

Letarte Heading For TV Booth In 2015: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will have a new crew chief in 2015. GodfatherMotorsports.com has learned that crew chief Steve Letarte will relinquish his spot atop the #88 teams pit box at seasons end to accept a new position as a television analyst with NBC and NBC Sports Network, beginning in 2015. Multiple sources say Letarte will join Rick Allen and driver Jeff Burton in the broadcast booth for the final 20 races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, as well as the final 19 NASCAR Nationwide Series events. The network also holds rights to select NASCAR Regional Racing Series events, Mexico's NASCAR Toyota Series, the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony and various post-season awards banquets. Letarte has served as crew chief for NASCARs Most Popular Driver since 2011, with one win, 24 Top-5 and 54 Top-10 finishes in 106 starts. Earnhardt finished fifth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship standings last season, despite failing to win a race. He recorded Top-5 finishes in five of the final eight races and is expected to challenge for the 2014 title. An official announcement of Letartes new position is expected this week in Daytona Beach. Reached for comment, Letarte said, I will be the crew chief for the #88 Chevrolet in in 2014. Thats all I know right now

"I think every week we have 3 drivers who can win the race. I'd be disappointed those 3 don't make the Chase"