Going into 2011, NASCAR saw one of the most competitive and intense championship battles it could ever ask for. At the same time, there were disappointments and disgust in how it ended.
Everyone knew changes were in order for the new season. There were rumors as to changes to the Chase, and even a change in the points. As of last Wednesday, changes were put into effect.
A new, simplified points system is now in, along with a reformatted Chase as NASCAR introduces their own "wild card" idea.
But, even with these changes, questions remain. Some were initially answered, but fans and media alike still are wondering what it means for the upcoming year.
Let's first take a look at the obvious change, which is the points system.
Since 1975, NASCAR had a points system that awarded 175 points for the winner, and would first go down in points awarded in incriments of five between positions 2-6. It would then be in incriments of four points from positions 7-11, and then three points from positions 12 and beyond.
Bonus points were always five points to lead a lap, five points for leading the most laps, and most recently five points for winning the race.
Why go with an inverted system rather than stick with what's been used for 35 years? Simple answer is because for fans new and old, the system was hard to understand. By going with an inverted points system, it is easier to follow and keep up with.
The problem isn't the system for how they finish, it's more about the bonus points. It's now just one point to lead a lap, one point for leading the most laps, and three points for winning. The most points a driver can earn in one race is 48.
It seems as though there is little incentive to lead a lap or win a race. A max of five bonus points in a race, seriously? That's a 10-point difference from last year and it makes no sense.
Despite being easier to understand, the bonus points should not have been messed with. It makes no sense to give just one point for leading a lap, nor leading the most. But, it's what we will have in 2011, so we all must get used to it.
Now, onto the Chase.
People have been very critical of the post-season in NASCAR since it went to a 12-car field, but mostly because of the dominance of one Jimmie Johnson. So, once again the Chase got a makeover.
Instead of the top 12 drivers getting in and seeded based on wins, a new "wild card" factor has been added.
For 2011, the top 10 drivers after the traditional 26th race, again at Richmond, are in the Chase. Wins will again determine positions, as each win counts for three points, compared to 10 points in 2010.
The "wild cards" will be positions 11 and 12, which will be represented by the two drivers outside the top-10 with the most wins.
With all things considering, this idea of the wild cards seems to be a good idea. Last year, the best driver to not make the Chase was Jamie McMurray. But, he won two of the biggest races of the year. Even when the Chase was happening, McMurray showed that the non-Chase drivers still had a lot of muscle.
Under the new format, McMurray would have made the Chase and probably would have finished in the top-10.
Unfortunately, some questions have been left unanswered. Two specific ones are "How will points be deducted as far as penalties," and "How many points do drivers in the Chase start with before adding in wins?"
Right now, there are no clear answers to either of these questions. NASCAR fans, media, and even the drivers must wait to find out if these questions will be answered.
Written by:
