Only once does it end up significantly altering the final standings, with Newman goes from 6th to 1st in 2003. Every other flipped champion moved from 2nd to 1st. Only 3 times does the old champion fall below 2nd, 2003, 1996 and 1992.

Every other championship ends up being even less competitive with the exceptions of 1999 and 1984. Jarrett wins by 166 instead of 201 in 1999. Terry Labonte wins by 20 instead of 65 in 1984.

There are 8 years in which the champion changes.

The *new* Champions

2003: Kenseth -> Newman
1996: Labonte -> Gordon
1993: Earnhardt -> Wallace
1992: Kulwicki -> Elliott
1985: Waltrip -> Elliott
1980: Earnhardt -> Yarborough
1979: Petty -> Waltrip
1973: Parsons -> Yarborough