Rookie Stuff UPDATE 3 Gordon out: If the season ended now, #12-Ryan Newman would be on top of the series’ rookie standings — largely because he has more top-five finishes — even though he trails 348-Jimmie Johnson in Winston Cup points (this was back in Oct, the difference now is 6 points with Johnson still ahead). But the winner could be a matter of choice for NASCAR. Though Newman holds the edge in rookie points, there’s another factor in the equation. A panel of four NASCAR officials can add or subtract points based on each rookie’s conduct on and off the track. The Winston Cup champion was on that panel last year, but that policy is under review because of Gordon’s affiliation with Johnson.(Sporting News), also been asked alot if Jamie McMurray will be eligiable for Rookie of the Year in 2003, as far as I know, as long as he doesn’t run more then seven Cup races (impossible for him at this point) he will be a 2003 Rookie of the Year candiate, and no, no other driver has run for Rookie of the Year and won the year before.(10-17-2002) UPDATE: been told – NASCAR has already elminated Jeff Jordon (defending champion of series) from the post-season rookie of the year voting panel. It will be now be four NASCAR officials.(10-18-2002) UPDATE 2: Rookie points are awarded based on a host of categories, including top-10 finishes and battles with fellow rookies. Bonus points are awarded at different season intervals, too. Then there are discretionary points, dispersed at season’s end by a five-member panel of NASCAR officials and the Winston Cup champion (Bobby Labonte is replacing Jeff Gordon this year as Gordon is Johnson’s car owner). Discretionary points are based on how the rookies interact with series officials, fellow competitors and members of the media.(Indianapolis Star)(11-10-2002) UPDATE 3: #48-Jimmie Johnson can’t catch #12-Ryan Newman in the rookie points race with just one race remaining. Newman leads 340-320 after Phoenix. But that does not mean the rookie of the year award has been decided. A four-member panel made up of former Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte and three NASCAR officials will award discretionary points before the start of next weekend’s season finale. That allows for the possibility Johnson could win or share the rookie title.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-11-2002)
