The 2017 NASCAR season is about to get underway this weekend. While fans are expected to come in droves, most casual fans won't notice anything different in this year's edition of NASCAR compared to last season, while some of them might be surprised by the changes. Those fans who have been keenly following NASCAR during the offseason would most definitely notice the many changes.

This year's NASCAR season has so many things different, including new rules and much more, to make the upcoming season more exciting for fans, according to a report from ESPN. NASCAR will kick off this season on Saturday night with a 75-lap exhibition race followed by a single-lap qualifying on Sunday afternoon to set the front row for the Daytona 500.

For starters, one the many changes on this year's NASCAR series is the sponsor. Sprint will be replaced by the energy drink Monster Energy. Monster Energy logos will now be placed on the windshields of every NASCAR car. Monster promo girls will be more visible during races as Monster executives are hoping to bring more of a party atmosphere on race days.

As for the new rules changes, a new points system will be implemented this NASCAR season. Instead of the usual "Chase" system, a playoff points system will be used wherein drivers will earn playoff points with each race they win. The playoff points will depend on which place drivers finish the race.

When it comes to wrecked cars this NASCAR season, pit crews can't fix them. The pit crews can only add support rods and tape if the cars are damaged and have only 5 minutes to do so. If the crew goes beyond 5 minutes, drivers must wait for the green flag to come out and show they can reach minimum speed before they can come down again.

The cars of this season's NASCAR series will also be slightly different for the non-restrictor-plate tracks. The spoiler is smaller from 3.5 inches to 2.375-by-61. While the front splitter will have a lesser surface area.

NASCAR drivers this year are also not spared from changes. If a driver gets in a wreck, a doctor and a paramedic team employed by American Medical Response will examine the driver. The American Medical Response will provide four to five doctors and paramedics who will rotate going to races.

And if fans hear someone different on the No. 19 radio, that's because Carl Edwards isn't there anymore. Carl Edwards retired last month, via a report from USA Today. Daniel Suarez has replaced Carl Edwards for this year's NASCAR series.

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