A full field by the measure of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series has shrunk considerably over the years most recently to 18 cars several years back. In 2019 it will shrink once again to 16 cars to count for a full field for racers chasing National or State points.
NASCAR Whelen All-American Series points will count two points per position up to 16 cars with a maximum of 32 points before bonus points are awarded. The bonus points structure has also changed and will reward up to four bonus points for a winner starting 9th or worse. A driver starting fifth through eighth will receive two bonus points and zero bonus points will be awarded to a driver starting in the first two rows.
The changes come in hopes of reshaping the National and State points battles. With many tracks not getting a full 18-car field, this puts more drivers at more tracks in the mix and the bonus points structure rewards drivers for making passes on the way to victory.
One track that could play heavily into the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National title picture in 2019 is Motor Mile Speedway. With anticipation for their reopening this season after being shuttered last season, fields are expected to be large and the track is anticipated to utilize a blind draw for positions rather than qualifying. Giving potential winners a greater chance to start outside the top eight than at other tracks.
We’ll have to watch to see how both the lower full field number and the bonus points structure play into the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National and State points title races. Philip Morris, who announced a 38-race schedule last week, is expected to compete for the National title and with all of his races scheduled currently in the state of Virginia, he’s expected to make a run at his record-breaking sixth National championship.
Cover photo by Karen Tunnell
