I agree . I hate it . <| sep |> Basically there are 36 points races , if you win a race you are in the playoffs or chase and are in the top 16 in points automatically , after the first 26 races the winners and the rest of the top 16 that are in on points have their points reset and they are the only ones able to compete for a championship . After three races the top 12 are reset and they are the only ones who are eligible for a championship , after three races the bottom four are cut until there is only one race left and four eligible for the championship and in the last race the highest finisher of the four in the race wins the championship . Also keep in mind while there are only 16 , 12 , 8 and 4 eligible for the championship all 40 cars still drive in the race .