How does the NASCAR Chase format work?

Here’s a primer on how the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase format works:

Challenger round: The 16 eligible drivers will compete in races at Chicagoland, New Hampshire and Dover for 12 spots available in the next round. A win at any of the three races equals advancement into the next round. The rest of the field of 12 will be determined by order of total points scored after the three races. Each advancing driver will be reset to 3,000 points.

Contender round: The 12 drivers who advance from the Challenger round will compete at Charlotte, Kansas and Talladega for eight spots available in the next round, with the same rules for advancing as in the Challanger round. Each advancing driver will be reset to 4,000 points.

Eliminator round: Eight survivors advance to races at Martinsville, Texas and Phoenix and compete for four spots in the final round. The same rules will be used for advancing as in previous rounds.

Championship round: The Chase championship will be decided by the highest finisher among the top four at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Chase qualifiers:

Source: NASCAR

This story was originally published September 13, 2015 at 12:37 PM with the headline "How does the NASCAR Chase format work?."