What is the Metric Score in NASCAR and how is it calculated? Everything you need to know

After NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass shared the qualifying order for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington, determined by metric scores, a curious fan reached out to inquire about the calculation process. The Fox Sports reporter responded with a follow-up tweet, providing clarity on the scoring methodology.

During the season's first race at Darlington, the Xfinity Series faced rain delays during practice and qualifying sessions, forcing officials to determine the starting lineup using the metric score system. But what exactly constitutes a metric score? Bob Pockrass provided an explanation.

"metric score is 25% driver finish previous race, 25% owner finish previous race, 35% owner points standing, 15% fastest lap ranking previous race," he wrote.

Whenever a car switches drivers between events, the new driver's metrics are initially set at 41. However, these numbers cannot be transferred to a different car. Any new vehicle without Owner Points starts with a points position of 100. If there are multiple new entries for an event, their starting order is determined by a random draw.

Due to the race postponements in 2020, NASCAR introduced a new metric qualifying format. Starting in 2021, NASCAR began using this formula as a contingency plan when qualifying sessions were unable to take place, as seen at the Bristol dirt race due to bad weather. In 2022, NASCAR expanded the use of the metric formula to determine practice and qualifying groups.

According to recent updates, Shane van Gisbergen of the Kaulig Racing team, with a metric score of 33.6, will lead the qualifying order at the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Meanwhile, Noah Gragson, who will drive for Rette Jones Racing in the Xfinity Series, will head the starting lineup for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 race (Xfinity Series) at Darlington with a metric score of 41.

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Weather prediction ahead of NASCAR races at Darlington Raceway

According to the National Weather Service, there is a possibility of showers and thunderstorms affecting the upcoming Regular Season championship race at Darlington on Sunday. A recent update from Raceweather on X reports:

"FRI & SAT are looking great, but keep an eye on SUN — scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible. While there’s some uncertainty in the timing and coverage, it’s shaping up to be a 1-poncho kind of day…"

According to Raceweather, the forecast for August 31, 2024, the day scheduled for NASCAR Cup Practice and Qualifying, calls for a high of 92°F and a low of 72°F. The weather prediction indicates mostly sunny skies with isolated showers and thunderstorms. A south wind is expected to blow at 5–15 mph, and the chance of rain is estimated at 15%.

For September 1, 2024, the temperature is expected to peak at 91°F with a low of 72°F. The day will be partly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Winds from the southeast will blow at 5–15 mph, and there is a 25% chance of rain.