With the famed Daytona 500 inching closer, NASCAR finds itself standing at a crossroads regarding a potential sale of parts of the sport’s equity. Amid the speculations, developments are in full flow to make oval racing even more exciting, with the introduction of several new rules for the 2025 season.
One such rule is the introduction of the fastest lap bonus point, which could have a major impact on how teams approach each race. Despite a major shift from the traditional regulations, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has adopted a positive approach towards it.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Welcomes the New NASCAR Rule with Open Arms
With the new rule bringing a wide range of possibilities, Earnhardt Jr. expressed his excitement over it on the most recent episode of his podcast, the “Dale Jr. Download.” Claiming to “love” the change, the 50-year-old American stock car driver further detailed how each point held utmost importance and could go on to become the difference between making or missing the playoffs.
“I love this! These little things that push drivers to be better are really cool. Fans joke when we say, ‘Every point matters,’ but it really does! And this new rule is just another proof of that,” Earnhardt Jr. explained. “This is a point that’s out there for these guys to go after. If you win multiple fastest laps, that could really change your seeding for the playoffs—or even be the difference in making it.”
Taking a stroll down memory lane, Earnhardt Jr. recalled the time when there was a $10,000 bonus for the driver who recorded the fastest lap in each race. He even revealed how he had most of his fastest lap awards hanging in his garage back home. While the latest rule does not bring monetary incentives to the table just yet, it can certainly play a vital role in shaping a season.
There have often been instances where one driver missed out on the chance to make it into the playoff battles with the slimmest of margins. Chris Buescher made all the headlines last season, as he missed out on qualifying for the playoffs after Kyle Larson edges him out by 0.001 seconds. Had there been the bonus point last season, chances are the RFK Racing driver might have made it through.
Teams will be cognizant of this, and all the top contenders will be hard at work to avoid a similar fate in 2025. As such, chances are that there will be added drama and excitement in each race, particularly in the closing stages.
