The driver ELO ratings published are limited to those in a rated population. Specifically, all rated drivers have competed in at least one of the NASCAR race series (Cup/Xfinity/Craftsman) that one can refer to as the NDU – NASCAR Drivers Universe. The Top 10 Drivers of each of the three NASCAR series are found on the following page: https://www.cielo.world/rank/.
To borrow from the comic book world vernacular, race car drivers can be subdivided into those driving in the NDU and the FDU – Formula Drivers Universe. The drivers are evaluated only by rated races in their respective populations.
In the comic book realms, few characters have appeared in both the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and the DCU (DC Comics Universe). The most notable MCU/CDU crossover was Superman vs. Spider-Man.
Unlike the superhero universes, there are numerous drivers that have competed in multiple-driver universes. The CIELO ratings are calculated by races solely in each series and ignore the driving performances demonstrated in other series/universes.
For example, the ratings for the following ten drivers, who have competed in both NASCAR and F1, will be based solely on their NASCAR races:
- Jenson Button
- Kimi Raikkonen
- Juan Pablo Montoya
- Jacques Villeneuve
- Jim Clark
- Nelson Piquet Jr.
- Daniil Kvyat
- Christian Fittipaldi
- Scott Speed
- Innes Ireland
The limitation of driver ratings to a specific universe was purposely implemented to reduce complexity as the web interweaved between multiple racing circuits. There are serious consequences to this limitation – a driver’s true ability may not be reflected if past successes aren’t included. Take the case of Juan Pablo Montoya. Montoya’s 2 for 255 race record in NASCAR Cup Series races results in an ELO rating that doesn’t reflect his true skill as exhibited in the NASCAR Xfinity, ARCA Menards, CART/CCWS, NTT Indycar, F1, NASCAR Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car, and Weathertech Sportscar series.
In short, a driver’s ELO rating is a reflection of the skill demonstrated in their defined racing career subset.