Matt Kenseth won last year's championship

Last year's series lost its appeal early in the season as Matt Kenseth ran away with the title.

It is the first change in the points system since 1975 but the 11th since the series began in 1949.

Only the top 10 drivers in the points standings after the 26th race - plus any within 400 points of the then leader - can now become champion.

The cumulative points in the final 10 races of the 36-race schedule will determine the Nascar Cup winner.

The points will be re-set to give the leader 5,050 followed by incremental five point reductions for the remaining qualified drivers.

The winners of the 36 races will get 180 points instead of 175 and other drivers will continue to earn points and post-season awards but they will not be counted in the championship race.

Nascar president Mike Helton believes the scheme "will provide a better opportunity for more drivers to win the championship, creating drama and excitement throughout the entire season".

At the end of the season, drivers in the top 10 are guaranteed a point fund payout of $1m with the champion getting $5m.