NASCAR teams are already facing strategic questions just four races into the Cup Series season. As the next NASCAR race approaches at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, drivers and crew chiefs are weighing how stage points could influence the standings and overall race strategy.
Ryan Blaney believes those points will play a larger role than ever in the current system, especially when the field remains tightly packed in the championship battle.
Tyler Reddick opened the season with three consecutive victories for 23XI Racing, building an early advantage in the NASCAR standings. But the opening stretch of the schedule has also shown how quickly positions can change with one strong finish.
Blaney believes stage points are among the biggest reasons those shifts can occur throughout the season.
“I think stage points are going to be super important. If you’re leading the race in Stage 1, do you flip it? Do you take the stage points? Those are the hard decisions you’ve got to make, if you’re leading or running second.”
Ryan Blaney Says Stage Points Could Shape NASCAR Strategy
Blaney has already shown how valuable stage points are in the current system. Even before his most recent victory, the Team Penske driver remained near the top of the NASCAR standings because of consistent stage finishes.
Those results allowed him to stay competitive even when overall race finishes varied across the opening events.
Blaney believes the current format places even greater emphasis on collecting points during each stage of a NASCAR race.
“I think it’s going to play a huge factor in this points system. I think it’s really important, especially early, when everyone’s super-close.”
Because the NASCAR format awards points throughout a race, teams must constantly balance their approach. Some organizations may prioritize securing stage points, while others may adjust their strategy to improve their finishing position later in the event.
Blaney expects those decisions to remain a key part of race strategy throughout the season.
“Stage points have always been important, but I think it’s ratcheted up this year the way the format is.”
The impact of stage points extends well beyond the early races. Blaney said the value becomes even clearer as the postseason battle develops.
“But even later in the year, it’s going to be really important, for those guys especially that are around the Chase cut line, guys that are battling for the top two spots.”
Why Stage Points Matter More Than Ever
Stage points remain a key part of the NASCAR Cup Series scoring system in 2026. Most races feature three stages, with the top 10 drivers earning points at the end of Stage 1 and Stage 2.
The winner gets 10 points, the second earns 9, and the count drops to 1 point for 10th place. With NASCAR returning to the Chase format and race wins no longer guaranteeing playoff spots, drivers must rely on steady stage points to stay inside the top 16 and secure postseason qualification.
Las Vegas NASCAR Race Provides Key Benchmark
The upcoming NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway could also shape the early manufacturer storyline.
Toyota opened the season strongly with Reddick winning three races, while Blaney recently delivered a victory for Ford. Chevrolet teams are still searching for their first win with the new body style introduced this season.
Kyle Larson believes the Las Vegas weekend will provide an important measuring point for teams across NASCAR.
“Las Vegas is always a track I look forward to, because it’s our first real chance in the season to see where we stack up on a mile-and-a-half.”
Larson said the process is especially important for Chevrolet teams as they adjust to the updated design.
“With the new Chevy body, there’s still a lot we’re learning, so getting laps at a place like Vegas will be really valuable for our No. 5 (Hendrick Motorsports) team.”
NASCAR Driver Ryan Blaney Says Stage Points Could Shape Standings