BREAKING DOWN THE SUNOCO DRIVE FOR THE CUP RULES & FORMAT

The Seekonk Speedway Sunoco Drive For The Cup begins this weekend, as Seekonk Speedway prepares to crown 10 champions at the end of September. 

A cumulative points format will determine the champion in each division - with playoff point totals combined from their regular season points position, feature wins, and finishing position over the four playoff weeks determining the total for each driver and the champion in each division. 

The driver with the highest playoff point total at the end of four weeks will be the champion. The adjusted system for 2026 profiles consistency throughout the entire season, winning, and clutch performances over the final four weeks. 

To start the playoffs, the Final Four in each division is seeded. The number one seed is the highest finishing driver in the championship standings at the end of August 21-22. That driver earns 5 points. Second earns 3, while third and fourth earn 2 and 1, respectively. Anytime a driver won a race during the season, they are given 1 bonus point on top of that number.  

For example, in the Pro Stocks on NASCAR Saturday, Nick Lascuola led Dave Darling at the end of the regular season. Lascuola had two wins, earning him 5 points for leading the standings, and 2 for feature wins, total of seven. Darling earned 3 for his points finish, and 4 bonus points for feature wins, giving him seven as well. The two enter tied at the top, ahead of Vinnie Arrenegado (3 - 2 regular season points, 1 win) and Mike Brightman (1 - regular season points).

As the four weeks of racing happen, drivers will be awarded 4-3-2-1 each night in the feature. Four will be given to the highest finishing playoff driver, 3 to the next, etc. Their finishing position overall does not matter for playoff points - only how they finish compared to other playoff contenders.

The Fast Friday Sunoco Drive For The Cup playoffs will take place on August 28, September 11, 18 and championship night on September 25. The NASCAR Saturday playoffs will open on August 29, and also include events on September 12, 19 and championship night on the 26th. 

As an important note, the Seekonk Speedway points for the entire season will continue to run from opening day through championship night. The champion in each division will be the winner of the four-week playoffs. To determine second on down in the final championship standings for the 2026 season, Seekonk Speedway will resort back to the overall season standings. This means a driver could go from out of the playoffs (5th or worse) at the start of the playoffs and still finish second in the championship standings. Drivers who continue to race through the end of the season are likely to increase their points position and increase their point fund totals.

Race fans can keep their eyes out when the feature events roll on the track to see the championship contenders in each division lined up together. They will all start within 2 rows, as long as they earn their qualified positions through heat races or group qualifying. Each playoff contender will also have a playoff sticker on their car on the right-rear side. 

Seekonk Speedway encourages all fans to come join us for the final four weeks of the season - beginning this weekend - as the Sunoco Drive For The Cup roars to life at the Action Track of the East. For tickets, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com and be sure to follow the track on social media for the latest news, info and storylines.