what is the purpose of stage racing in nascar
Race stage In NASCAR racing, starting with the 2017 season, races in the top three national touring series are completed in three stages, four in the case of the Monster Energy Cup Series' longest race, the Coca-Cola 600. [1] A stage consists of normal green flag racing followed by a stoppage on a designated lap signified by the waving of a green and white checkered flag, then a yellow flag. [2] The top-10 finishers in each of the first two stages are awarded bonus championship points. The points earned are added to a driver/owner's regular season points total, while the winner of the stage receives an additional point that can be carried into the NASCAR playoffs.[3] The stage lengths vary by track, but the first two stages usually combine to equal about half of the race. The final stage (which still pays out the most championship points) usually equals the other half.[4] The first driver to win a National Series race under the stage race format was Camping World Truck Series driver Kaz Grala who won the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in February 2017.[5]