NASCAR: How NASCAR's playoff system can screw Larson out of title

Updated stats for Larson after his 9th win of the season in Kansas, 10 wins if you count the Texas All-Star race he won.

Most race wins (9, 10 incl All-Star Race), and he isn’t done yet vs. only 3 for Blaney and Bowman
Most laps led – 2,397 laps led on his season vs. 1,399 for Hamlin. The most-laps led in a 36-race season was 2,320 — set by Jeff Gordon in 2001. Larson has smashed the record
Most regular and post-season points earned – 4,123 vs. 4,072 for Blaney in 2nd
Most stage wins – 17 vs. 10 for Hamlin in 2nd
Most top-5 finishes – 19 vs. 18 for Hamlin in 2nd
Most top-10 finishes- 25 vs. 24 for Hamlin in 2nd
Most playoff points – 65 vs. just 30 for Hamlin in 2nd, really more, but they stopped counting since he is locked into final 4

However, the NASCAR title is a 1-race shootout between the final four drivers. Bonus points are not awarded in the final race of the season to the Championship 4 drivers.

They all go into that race even on points.
One blown Goodyear tire, and they do blow often, and Larson loses the title.
One wanker hitting his fender and causing it to rub against a tire and Larson loses the title
One wanker losing control of their car and taking him out (think Talladega) and Larson loses the title
One speeding on pitlane penalty and Larson loses the title
One tire changer not getting the lug nuts on correctly and Larson loses the title.

After such a dominating season, that in the past would have assured Larson of the title, now it is a one-race crap shoot to be champion.

Not the best of 7 races
Not the best of 5 races
Not the best of 3 races
A 1-race crap shoot that could very well take it all away and hand the title to a wanker. What a system!

October 18, 2021

Kyle Larson has dominated the 2021 NASCAR Cup season in every measurable way.

Most race wins (8), and he isn’t done yet.
Most laps led – 2,267 laps led on his season. The most-laps led in a 36-race season is 2,320 — set by Jeff Gordon in 2001. That puts Larson 54 laps led away from breaking that record.
Most regular and post-season points earned – 4,123 vs. 4,072 for Blaney in 2nd
Most stage wins – 16 vs. 10 for Hamlin in 2nd
Most top-5 finishes – 18 vs. 17 for Hamlin in 2nd
Most top-10 finishes- 24 vs. 23 for Hamlin in 2nd
Most playoff points – 65 vs. just 30 for Hamlin in 2nd

However, the NASCAR title is a 1-race shootout between the final four drivers. Bonus points are not awarded in the final race of the season to the Championship 4 drivers.

They all go into that race even on points.
One blown Goodyear tire, and they do blow often, and Larson loses the title.
One wanker hitting his fender and causing it to rub against a tire and Larson loses the title
One wanker losing control of their car and taking him out (think Talladega) and Larson loses the title
One speeding on pitlane and Larson loses the title
One tire changer not getting the lug nuts on correctly and Larson loses the title.

After such a dominating season, that in the past would have almost assured Larson of the title, now it is a one-race crap shoot to be champion.

Not the best of 7 races
Not the best of 5 races
Not the best of 3 races
A 1-race crap shoot.

May the luckiest man win!