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Change the Chase

10/15/2007

It's time for the ace mechanics in NASCAR's executive offices in Daytona, New York, Charlotte and Los Angeles to dig deep into the toolbox and rev-up the Chase.

As Larry McReynolds might say, it doesn't need tunin', it needs adjustin'.

NASCAR released the 2008 schedule for what will then be called the Sprint Cup series. Count me among the disappointed. While Brian France, Mike Helton and Associates tinkered with the system this year, adding two drivers to the championship contenders and giving bonus points in the "regular season" to seed the field for the "playoffs," it seems to me additional grease is required.

It's all about excitement. Truthfully, my study of the available evidence (TV ratings, overall media coverage, ticket sales) leads me to believe this: What we have now has taken us as far as it can.

The first thing I'd do would be to turn them wrenches some more on the points payouts. In the stick-and-ball post-season, it's a win-or-go-home deal. That's not practical in the stock car sport, but the format should move further in that direction. I listened in to a bunch of driver interviews before New Hampshire and every last one of 'em said, basically, that points racin' is the name of the game in the Chase.

Booooo!

I want to see Jeff and Jimmie and Tony and Denny and Carl and Clint and Kyle and Kurt going for trophies, not numbers. Award bonus points for Ws in the final 10 races, too. The other thing - and I'm certainly not the first to suggest this - is have the dozen Chasers compete among themselves in a separate 1-through-12 points structure. NASCAR wants to keep it close, I know, and that's a flat-out guaranteed way to do it. Unless, of course, someone gets on a roll and visits victory lane as often as these drivers go to the bank. Which, for sure, is the way it ought to be.

In creating the Chase, Brian France proved he's willing to be bold. Fine by me; go for another giant leap of faith.

Chase races need to be at NASCAR's most prestigious speedways. With all due respect to the fine folks at New Hampshire and Dover, those places aren't on my list of "action" tracks. Yes, I know my geography, and marketing. New Hamp brings the Boston market into play, and Delaware sits between Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. But do they bring thrills?

NASCAR's playoffs should begin at Daytona. THAT would get people talking - and watching. Then hit the buzz button hard again by running Bristol. Next, go to California Speedway. Let's be candid: Labor Day there isn't catching on, and this would have the added plus of putting the Southern 500 at Darlington back on its traditional date. Return to Kansas, Talladega and Charlotte. However, a second Las Vegas event should follow. Texas, Phoenix and Homestead-Miami would take us to the Cup presentation.

Sure, there would be numerous issues to address. Not the least of which include weather patterns, high-school and college football (in some areas) and bruised egos. But, really, would this be any more revolutionary than the idea of the Chase itself?

NO.

This is the next logical step in the process. Change was needed then. Change is needed now.

[ Next column: October 29 ]

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(I.N. Sider is the pen name for an independent motorsports business-person who has a quarter-century of professional experience working in almost every major North American racing series. The writer is not an employee of Valvoline or Ashland Inc. The column is intended to inform, entertain, and stimulate thought on the contemporary motorsports scene. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Valvoline or Ashland Inc.)

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