There are several changes in NASCAR Sprint Cup this year, and I’m curious what you’re looking forward to. I’m still interested in seeing how teams will deal with being a man (catch can) down during pit stops. It’s going to be much tougher to make chassis adjustments now.

What do you think will be the big change of the year?

Some of the changes include:

NASCAR.com

Points — The new points system will award points in one-point increments. As an example, in the Cup Series, race winners will earn 43 points, plus three bonus points for the victory. Winners also can earn an extra point for leading a lap and leading the most laps, bringing their total to a possible maximum of 48 points.

All other drivers in a finishing order will be separated by one-point increments. A second-place finisher will earn 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on. A last-place finisher — 43rd place — earns one point. In the Camping World Truck Series, the last-place finisher receives eight points, to account for that series’ 36-driver race field.

Chase Berths – While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of victories during the first 26 races.

Pick a Series — Drivers in all three national series now must select the series where they’ll compete for a drivers’ championship. Drivers still may compete in multiple series and help their teams win owners’ titles in series where they’re not competing for a drivers’ title. The move helps spotlight young talent in the Nationwide and Truck series.

New Qualifying Procedure – The qualifying order will be set based upon slowest-to-fastest practice speeds.

Inclement Weather Qualifying — If bad weather cancels qualifying, the final starting lineup will be determined by practice speeds. The same rule book procedures will be used to determine eligibility to start a race. If weather cancels practice sessions, then the starting lineup will be set by points, per the rule book.

Tire Rules Revision — Cup teams now are allowed five sets of tires for practice and qualifying instead of six. They must return four of those sets to Goodyear in order to receive their race allotment, and may keep one set of practice/qualifying tires. Tire allotments for race weekends will vary according to historical performance data.

Closed Loop Fueling System — Introduced in the Truck Series, this goes into effect for all three national series in 2011. It combines a more efficient fueling system with the elimination of the catch-can man, considered the most “vulnerable” pit-crew member. Teams now will use six, rather than seven, over-the-wall pit-crew members.

Evolution of Cup Car — NASCAR continues to work with the manufacturers and teams to enhance the look of the Cup Series car. The cars have new fronts this season and the body makeover will continue to help appeal to fans and aid manufacturer identity.