NASCAR's New Era

NASCAR Makes Dramatic Changes to Chase System

2014 Will Have a New Points Look

By Richard Tix

Last week news broke in the NASCAR World that a possible points change might be coming to the Sprint Cup Chase. I took the weekend to think it over and let it set in and then wrote NASCAR's Change in the Making. If you haven't, check it out as it will give you my initial thought on NASCAR's idea's and some insight before you start this one. (You will notice my views haven't changed too much)

I wont be going into huge detail of all of the changes, point by point. So take a look at this NASCAR Article for the run down of all the changes. Its a good starting point if you are looking to get caught up.

When news first broke of a possible change I did like most of it. I had reservations about the final race and how points would start from zero (I wanted tier points, 1st starts with 9, 2nd with 6, 3rd with 3, 4th with 0). I also wanted the final track rotated with a few other tracks every year.

Well, the major change from the first set of rules that were leaked and the actual new rules is the fact that if you win during the Chase segment you move onto the next. I was hesitant on this rule when I first heard it. I thought, wow you can finish 35th and 40th in the other two races and then win and move on. I'm not a fan of it when I think of it that way, but the longer I thought the more I realized the guys who are hot win anyways. Last year our first three winners of the Chase were Matt Kenseth (twice) and Jimmie Johnson. 

So, even though I hate the idea of a guy winning and finishing 40th twice, I dont think it will happen a whole lot when it comes down to the last 8 drivers. Maybe a guy will sneak in when going from the round of 16 to 12, but overall the most consistent will move on most of the time.

I still think the final race should not have points zeroed out. I think a tier system should be put in place like I mentioned before. I also think the track site should rotate between a few tracks (think PHX, Miami, Las Vegas, Texas, places like that). This assures it doesn't always come down to who runs great at Miami. NASCAR still has time to build this in, remember its just year one of this new era. 

I do like that bonus points will be eliminated for the final race (once again, i would like it with a tiered points system in the last race to reward the driver who runs well in races 1-9, but i don't see that happening). It simplifies it and makes it the best man wins. 

If you take anything from this article take this; the 2014 season will be fun, entertaining, breathtaking, and sometimes frustrating. Drivers always want to win, and push at all costs, but now there is so much added drama and pressure we will see it week to week at the track. Peoples tempers will be brought to the forefront, I just hope NASCAR lets them voice there opinion on other drivers without mediation. Let the drivers have a personality. This will prove to have some of the most entertaining racing in awhile.

However, lets go back to that point about being frustrating. Many NASCAR fans do not want to just be like all the other sports (Stick and ball), but at some point NASCAR has to change and evolve otherwise it will die. Risks have to be taken in order to flurish again like NACAR once did. Is this the right move? Well no one knows right now, we have to wait and see. Some years the best driver will not win the Championship. But as in all sports that doesn't always happen and it is frustrating. This frustration fuels a sport. NASCAR has had seasons where a dominant driver who has won a bunch of races ended up second to someone with 1 or 2 wins. It happens. (1985 comes to mind, Bill Elliot won 11 races, 16 top 5's, 18 top 10's, and 10 poles. He finished second to Darrell Waltrip. DW had a great season too, but check out the stats. 3 wins, 18 top 5's, 21 top 10's, and 4 poles. Looking at the stats and a lot of fans would say the most dominate driver of the season, the guy who won the most, didn't with the Championship. Oh, and Elliott lead 1,920 laps on the season compaired to 969 of DW. That's almost a 1,000 more laps!) So like I said, it happens. 

In the end you can not tell me you wont be entertained. You may hate it, or love it, but for the sake of being a NASCAR fan let it play out before ruling it out. NASCAR fans are a rare bread, we watch no matter how much we hate the changes, or think we will hate them (and we put up with a lot of change). We will watch every week even if we have the same Champion year after year. So even with a change in the points bringing a fun, entertaining and even frustrating  new style fans will still watch and most likely be on the edge of there seats week by week. This new points system will bring in even more and different strategy that we have not seen yet. Just think, if you aren't a fan of a JJ, Smoke, Kenseth, etc your driver has a chance. 

The little guy can get into the Chase. Some people think its crazy, but I love it. Will that guy win the Championship, most likely no, but he could possible make a three race run into the next round. Think of the story lines and excitement, a Cinderella in NASCAR. Maybe its because I am a huge sports fan in general, but I love the underdog role in modern sports. This is a chance to make a huge jump back up that NASCAR has needed. Is it the right change at the right time? That we will find out over the next 36 races...

Behold, a new era has begun in 2014, the Chase Era 2.0. 

With this new era, check out NASCAR Behind the Wall's All-Time Greatest drivers split up by past Eras:

• All-Time
• Modern Era (1972-Present)
• Chase Era (Just ended)

A few more points articles:

• Chase Facts- NASCAR.com
• Larry Mac's Take on the Chase- FoxSports
• Carl Edwards Says Changes Could be Harmful- USAToday

Driver Spotlight: Clint Bowyer (Preseason Addition)

Clint Bowyer's 2014 Preview

By Richard Tix

The 2013 season was not the season Clint Bowyer was hoping it would be. After finishing the 2012 season hot during the Chase and looking like a real contender, he entered 2013 as a consistent top 10 driver week after week.

That sounds great doesn't it? The problem with Bowyer's 2013 season was closing. 2013 was the first season since 2009 that he didn't find a win. "Loopies" awards can tell us a lot at times and 2013 can be explained for Bowyer by the fact that he won the No, Really, It's Go Time, Why Aren't You Going? Award. Clint won this award for one reason(Loop Data), "He lost 67 positions in the final 10 percent of races, the second highest figure in the series."

So even though Clint had a great season because he was consistent, we can now see why he couldn't get a win in 2013, he couldn't close the deal. As if that wasn't bad enough, look at his 10 race Chase run. In 2012 he ended the season hot (9.4 average finish in the Chase with a win), but in 2013 he finished the Chase with a 10.9 average finish position and no wins. So not only did Bowyer not finish during the season, but he also couldn't close the deal during the Chase.

Most fans will also remember 2013, Bowyer, and MWR for a huge fiasco to end the NASCAR regular season. Scandals and a lot of controversy surrounded the Chase and the MWR drivers that either got in (Clint Bowyer) or kicked out (Martin Truex Jr). It will be a huge step for Bowyer and MWR to get past the way 2013 ended and make a big move forward to forget about it.

So let me know what you think on Twitter! Do you think Bowyer can bounce back and find a win or two in 2014? Will the MWR Scandal hang over the #15 team this season? Will Bowyer finally close the deal at the end of races this year? Will Clint make the Chase? Get your opinion out there!

Let the count down to Daytona Continue!

Past Driver Spotlights:

• Tony Stewart
• Matt Kenseth
• Jeff Gordon
• Kyle Busch
• Kurt Busch
• And a link to all of them on NBTW

Driver Spotlight: Tony Stewart (Preseason Addition)

By Richard Tix

A look at previous Driver Spotlight's

When Tony Stewart looks back at the 2013 season, it wont be on he wants to remember. For the first time in his career Smoke was forced to miss a race. 521 Cup starts without missing a beat. Just take a look at his career and you will start to realize how upset he must have been not to be able to get into a car, and for awhile not eat soda cookies.

Smoke is Chasing Richard Petty's 18 straight seasons with at least one win. Stewart, even after only racing in 21 races, is at 15 straight seasons (which is every year in his Cup career). Last year and 2008 are the only seasons he had not had multiple victories in a season. Other then 2006 (11th), 2013 was the only time he finished outside the top 9 in standings.

After all of that being said, people still question if Tony Stewart can come back as strong as he was before? I might end up eating crow, but I laugh at those people. Not one time in his career has Smoke missed a beat or been pushed around. He has 48 career wins and most likely will be the newest driver to hit the 50 win mark, which is remarkable. If you take a look at the current drivers today it is hard to pick out many who might make 50 (Maybe Kyle Busch? Kurt? Kenseth if 2014 is like 2013? Really its hard to trust many). Yet, Smoke should get it done in his 16th season.

I have no doubt in my mind Tony Stewart will come back, make the Chase, and possibly push for his 4th Championship. The only question is, when will he get his first win of 2014? When will he get 50 career wins? And will he try and lay the smack down on Joey Logano again?

So, what do you think NASCAR Nation! Let me know on Twitter? Will he get 50 this year? Will he bounce back? When will his first win come? Will he make the Chase? Lets hear it! Let the count down continue!

Also, take a look back at last years in season Driver Spotlight on Smoke.

NASCAR Media Tour: Day Four

2014 NASCAR Media Tour in Photos

Photos from Charlotte and Driver Mettings/Photo Shoot Days

Thanks for stopping by and catching up on the Media Tour. If you need to go back even farther in the week check out Day One, Day Two, and Day Three of the Media Tour. Also, Check out some past articles here.

NASCAR Ranking the Greats (Chase Era Drivers)

Top 10 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR History

Three Part Series from Different NASCAR Era's

Part Three: Chase Era

By Richard Tix

The last of the three part series ranking the greats in NASCAR history. Part on looked at the All-Time greats, which included everyone except current drivers. Part two took a look at drivers during the "Modern Era" which included everyone from 1972 until Present day. Part three will take a look at the Chase Era before the "New Chase." So, from 2004-2013 or 10 season's. A fourth ranking will come once we get into the newest Era in the Chase a bit further and this will be a four part series (Stats are only during the 2004-2013 seasons and that is also how the rankings were decided. Season's 2014 and 2015 have been left out as it is a new era).

10. Greg Biffle

Wins: 18
Top 5: 82
Top 10: 151
Chase Appearances: 6
Championships: 0



The past 10 seasons Greg Biffle has been a top tier driver in NASCAR. He has had 18 wins during the Chase Era which is the 9th most during that span. He shows up at the last spot however because he has not been consistently great. Biffle has been to the Chase 6 of the 10 years but has yet to win. He has however placed in the top 3 two times which earns him a spot on this list.

9. Kevin Harvick

Wins: 19
Top 5: 78
Top 10: 167
Chase Appearances: 7
Championships: 0




Kevin Harvick just came off a pretty good season in 2013 and is now moving on with SHR, but he has yet to find the holy grail, a Championship. However, Harvick has finished in the top 3 three different times in his 7 Chase appearances. Maybe a change in scenery will help him finally get over the hump and compete for a Championship?

8. Denny Hamlin

Wins: 23
Top 5: 84
Top 10: 136
Chase Appearances: 7
Championships: 0




Denny Hamlin has made the Chase in 7 of his 8 full time seasons. Actually, if it wasn't for an injury holding him back he probably would have made it 8 of 8 this season. One would have a very valid argument to have DH higher, but it is tough competition. He has 23 wins (6th), 84 top 5's (7th), and 136 top 10's (12th) during this time frame but has yet to win a title. Denny has finished in the top 3 in standings twice in his career. In a few years he could sky rocket up this list, but right now it is just too early in his career.

7. Kurt Busch

Wins: 16
Top 5: 76
Top 10: 150
Chase Appearances: 7
Championships: 1



Should someone hold the fact that Kurt had two season's almost wasted at smaller teams which hurts some of his overall stats? Well, at NASCAR Behind the Wall I did weigh some of my decision on that. I came to this decision because for the most part Kurt put himself in that situation. But at the same time he is trying to dig himself out of it and has just landed at SHR and another chance. Just like Denny, he could move up this list fast in the next few years. He is our first Champion on the list, but has four non Champions ahead of him (during the Chase Era, Kenseth's was in 2003 one season before and Gordon's all before that). Like I said, this can change, and because he has a Championship it can change very fast. He drove the heck out of the Furniture Row Car last year which gives him even more credibility as a wheel man.

6. Kyle Busch

Wins: 28
Top 5: 109
Top 10: 163
Chase Appearances: 6
Championships: 0




Kyle Busch's career has been either hot or cold. Much of it has been on the "hot" side but unfortunately when it comes to the Chase itself he has been on the cold side. But these rankings aren't just based on Chase results, lucky him. During this Chase Era he has won 28 times, had 109 top 5's, and 163 top 10's all in 9 full time seasons which is why he found himself right outside the top 10. He has some of the best up side of anyone on this list, but the fact that in his 6 Chase appearances he has yet to finish in the top 3 has held him back.

5. Matt Kenseth

Wins: 24
Top 5: 107
Top 10: 162
Chase Appearances: 9
Championships: 0




Yes, Kenseth has a Championship, No it wasn't during the Chase Era. Sorry Matt, this hurts you a bit, but you still just made the top 10. Kenseth may not have won a Championship during this Era but he has made 9 of 10 Chase's. He also has finished runner up twice in those 9 times and looks to be a year to year contender at Joe Gibbs Racing.

4. Carl Edwards

Wins: 21
Top 5: 101
Top 10: 173
Chase Appearances: 7
Championships: 0








Carl has been running full time for 9 of the 10 Chase seasons and has made it to 7 of them. The fact is, a few of those years he should have won a Championship (2011 he technically tied Tony Stewart, and if the Chase had not existed he would have won the title). Looking at the 10 year Chase Era he is definitely a contender, but since the Gen-6 came along last year Ford hasn't been as dominate and has hurt. Right now he would be considered to be slipping on this list, but has a chance to turn it around (as long as he has the tie breaker this time around).

3. Jeff Gordon

Wins: 24
Top 5: 131
Top 10: 201
Chase Appearances: 9
Championships: 0



Should anyone be more bitter about the Chase Era then Jeff Gordon? If the Chase would never have been brought in Gordon would have won another Championship or two and he would be the Hendrick driver with 6 Titles trying to join Petty and Earnhardt. Instead he has 4 total and none during the Chase Era. However, he still has made it to the Chase 9 out of 10 years, 24 wins, 131 top 5's, 201 top 10's, and finished in the top 3 three times. He might be on the back stretch of his career, but he still might have one last shot in him.

2. Tony Stewart

Wins: 31
Top 5: 113
Top 10: 185
Chase Appearances: 8
Championships: 2




Smoke has been one of the best drivers of the Chase Era even if he misses half a season because of a broken leg. He has made it to the Chase 8 of the 10 seasons (hurt in 2013 and missed it) and won the Sprint Cup twice. He has the second most wins, the second most top 5's, and second most top 10's during this time only behind Jimmie Johnson. Well, I guess that only means that he can be second on this list to....Jimmie Johnson.

1. Jimmie Johnson

Wins: 60
Top 5: 162
Top 10: 231
Chase Appearances: 10
Championships: 6




Really, if you are only counting the Chase Era, there is no way you can put anyone else in this spot. He has 29 more wins than anyone during this time, 31 more top 5's, and 30 more to 10's. Not to mention this little thing called a Championship, yeah he has 6 of them. Only two other guys on this list even have a Championship during that time (Smoke and Kurt) and only four of the drivers have one period (anytime in there career. Gordon, Smoke, Kurt, and Kenseth). It is safe to say that Jimmie Johnson has a spot on this list for many years to come, even if the next era doesn't come for another 100 years, he has been that good.


Well that's the end of this three part series. Take a look back at the other two here:

• NASCAR Ranking the Greats (All-Time Drivers)
• NASCAR Ranking the Greats (Modern Era Drivers)

EDIT: A fourth and possible fifth ranking will eventually come. NBTW will for sure touch on a "New Chase Era" rankings that started in 2014. I may also touch on a full Chase Era ranking (2004-Present) which would include the old Chase and New Chase.