The Fight for Points

NASCAR's New Points Rule Change

By Richard Tix

To start the 2014 season NASCAR made some huge announcements which brought out mixed reactions from drivers, media, and the fan base. Among these dramatic changes was a new way NASCAR would hold there points standings for getting into the Sprint Cup Chase (NASCAR's New Era).

The new rules were to create a bigger emphasis on winning week to week and so far we as fans have seemed to benefit from that. But, has it really been because of the new rules? Are guys who don't have a win using a different strategy to win?

I would argue no. Guys are still trying to win week to week just like they always have. As normal, the guys back in 12th spot are still just trying to get a quality finish and move onto the next week -so nothing really changed there. I will agree though, that guys who already have a win in 2014 can gamble and use different strategies, which in turn may open up the door for a different winner when the gamble doesn't pay off (example:Dale Jr, Las Vegas when he ran out of gas and Brad Keselowski won).

As I stated before the season starts in the article NASCAR's New Era, I like the new system and I still hold to that. But I do believe some people are completely throwing out the idea that points matter and now its all about winning.

Winning means more in 2014 than it did in 2013, NASCAR definitely hit the nail on the head on that, but at the end of the regular 26 race season (before the Chase) I do not think we will have 16 winners. Even if we do, the way it shapes up right now Jeff Gordon would still get in. The top spot in the points standings at the end of 26 races gets into the Chase with a win or without.  That means even if you believe we have 16 winners, one would miss out if the top driver in the standings doesn't have a win.

If you are adding it up, that would mean the remaining 15 spots would come down to, you guessed it, points. Only 15 of the 16 winners would get a Chase spot and this would all be decided by who has the most points. Once again, wins matter most, because a guy with 2 or 3 wins gets in before the guy with 1 win, but all the guys with one win would be fighting in points for a spot.

Now, lets take the other angle, the angle I think will happen. Lets say at race 24 of 26 NASCAR has 12 winners (or 13, 14, anything short of 16). That will leave 3 spots open and two races to hash it out. Yes, guys who don't have a win will be pushing for a win, because it locks them in, but don't try and tell me if a few guys are good on points to get in they wont be protecting there "good points day" while running 8th. Points will be huge if this type of situation happens because that's what it will come down to.

I will also argue this, because drivers who win are almost a lock to get into the Chase they will gamble more, meaning they will leave points on the table when the gamble doesn't work out. This means other drivers will be looking to collect those points another driver with a win might have gained. Take Harvick for example, he is pretty much in, but has been leaving points out there during his bad luck run that other drivers are taking. These points that other drivers are getting when Harvick has a bad day will play a big role in the standings when NASCAR only has 13 winners (and it isn't just Harvick, it seems a lot of top tier drivers have had some bad luck early, leaving a lot of points out there for others to get). With Harvick another thing comes into play, he has to stay in the top 30 in the standings for that win to get him in (he will have no problem, but this could be an issue if someone steals a road course or super speedway win). Meaning, a driver with a win must also be in the top 30 in points standings after 26 races.

The final standings and last spots will still come down to points almost any way you look at it (16 winners or 13). I also believe, if a guy keeps running like Gordon has but never wins, he may still have a better shot then a guy like Harvick does when the Chase starts (that's saying it ended today). I say that because momentum and team chemistry will still play a huge role in the final 10 races (well maybe only 9, because the last race is a crap shoot). Just as in any other sport, a NFL team may start 8-0 (which is almost a virtual lock for the playoofs) but if they hobble into the playoffs at 10-6 chances are they wont get hot and make a run to the Super Bowl (crazier things have happened, but normally a situation like this they tank in the post season).

The team running well overall at the end of the season (yes, again that probably means having good points days most weeks, not just winning once and finishing 30th two weeks in a row) will have the best shot at winning it in the end, or at least making the final four drivers. So do I think winning is more important this season? Yes. But I do believe many people are overlooking the importance points will still have at the end of 26 races. When it comes down to 3 spots, and 5 drivers all mathematically have a shot, do you really think they will push so hard for that win while in 8th (and in on points at that moment) and wreck there car finishing 35th and missing the Chase? Everyone would say if he just held steady at 8th he would have been in, or a few more good points days would have made the difference. So, how can points not matter?

**Note: The last race technically comes down to points as well. Drivers don't get bonus points, but highest finisher wins. You don't have to win, but if you had a win or highest in points in each 3 race segment during the Chase and you make the final four, it all comes down to one race anyways. So again, points matter, but winning is way more important in 2014 than 2013**

Well, what do you think? Everyone has an opinion so let me know on Twitter @NASCARBTW. The funny thing is, Mr France said this change was to "simplify the points" when really it added another layer that confuses a lot of fans. I still like the new points system, but France, lets not lie to all of us more than you already do.

As always, thanks for reading and check out the rest of the blog.

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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

NASCAR's Change in the Making

NASCAR Hints at Possible Points Change in Cup

By Richard Tix

Big news broke out this past weekend from the NASCAR camp and Mr. France. I waited all weekend to sit down and start this article. One, I wanted to gather all my thoughts, and two, I wanted to gauge the opinions on Twitter and see what the NASCAR Pulse was thinking. (If you missed the news, here is a link with the basics of the potential change)

As normal, change did not come to the delight of many. Change is never an easy thing especially when it comes to NASCAR. I however, don't mind change, but I am on the side that doesn't like change for the sake of change. So is that what this potential move is? Or is France onto something?

Now, I come from a huge background of Sports fans. I have been following NASCAR since I was a wee little kid, my older brother grooming me in, but I also have been a fan of football, basketball, baseball, hockey, heck I have even dabbled in Soccer (I know, don't judge!). Anyways, point is I have watched way too many sporting events from my own health's sake. What I took from this is the memories of amazing come backs, last second wins, crazy tournaments and playoffs, drama that was created because of the situation teams or players were in.

Under the current system drama and excitement can happen, sure, but the way elimination works right now you don't even notice it. After 3 chase races Carl Edwards can be down by 65 points, in which case he is practically "eliminated," but where is the win or go home mentality in that? If the current points change were to come around, he would be fighting with 3 other drivers to make the next round, to fight another day. Sure, if you start out poorly you probably wont have a chance at the final four spots, but should you? NASCAR still wants to award the driver who is the most consistent at the end of the day, so running well in Chase races 1-9 will put you in a good position to win a Championship.

Now, I understand people who say under new rules one part malfunction can put you out of the running, but really it can in the points system now too. When you think about it, the first 1-9 races are the same except more drivers can get in (16) and you can be eliminated. When NASCAR gets to the last two races we have already narrowed the drivers who have a chance down to about three anyways. Why not add some excitement, even if a driver doesn't have a shot at the Championship he will still want to make the next round.

Think about this past season at Richmond, minus all the sketchy play, and how exciting that finish was. It was unscripted (or so we think) and just plan fun. Now think of every Chase race and the potential. With the new potential system that is possible every Chase race (will it happen? Probably not, but the potential is there).

One other thing I like is the fact that a win can get you in. Drivers will push harder and harder as the season goes on to get a win (think Auto Club, minus the crash). The little teams have something to shoot for instead of just being out there as fillers. If a small team can get in they could potentially bring in a new sponsor. More sponsors in NASCAR is never a bad thing to me. Maybe that little team can move up in the ranks and become a middle of the road team? Anything is possible. Right now they can shoot for the glory of that one trip to Victory Lane, but that is where it ends. no Cinderella, no chance of the underdog making the next round in the playoffs.

Now for the final part of the potential rules change, the last race.  I have been up and down on this last race. The way they announced the possible change it sounds like points would be wiped out for the last four drivers in the final race. At one point I thought, that's just not fair, and maybe it wont always award the most consistent driver in one given season, but it isn't like it will go to some guy who was 20th in points but won a race to get in, it will go to one of the top four drivers all season. In the end, isn't that what a playoff is?

If your sport is going to have a Playoff, which NASCAR calls the Chase, why not have eliminations like any other Playoff around the world? I see this as an improvement overall for the Chase. If NASCAR is sticking to the Chase format why not make it a real playoff not just something posing as one? If NASCAR only wants to award the driver most consistent all season then do away with the Chase altogether.

Now, with any change there will be ups and downs in the new system. Like I said, I was once on the edge about the final race for everything, but go big or go home, right? I do however feel if NASCAR goes this points route, they need to look into changing the last race from year to year. Weather at this time of the year is a big issue, but there should be a few tracks they can rotate to at least give it a better look then Miami every year. The main reason I want this? Well because some drivers are great at Miami without trying, and others will just never be good there, so it puts way to big of strain on just that race. I mean, if you are going to wipe out points for the final four races you cant also put the pressure on these drivers that they have to be good at just that one track every year. Move a Las Vegas, Texas, or Phoenix into the last spot and rotate it with Miami. At least you get variety and drivers have to win the final win or go home race at a different track. Also, this may bring some extra fans back out to the tracks for those races. Being there when no one knows who is going to be the Champion is way more enticing then knowing the Champ after Chase race #8.

Maybe the final four drivers shouldn't be even points to start the last race? To award the driver who was most consistent during races 1-9 of the Chase maybe a few bonus points should be tiered off. Say 1st starts with 6 extra points, 2nd 4 extra, 3rd 2 extra, and last of the four starts at zero. This would still make it easy enough for a driver to win from second or third, but also an underdog could win from fourth, but the points are still close enough these guys have to push for the win.

As with any change, it comes with some harsh criticism. I am normally not on NASCAR's side when they change stuff because it always seems to happen too often. In this case I do like the general idea. Unfortunately NASCAR needs something and that's why they're in this situation, the target market isn't getting any younger. NASCAR is looking for a change to turn that around, and I think a real playoff could help. It brings interest back to a week to week basis and during the regular season an emphasis on winning. If this points change comes around it could be a new Era in NASCAR and maybe that keeps this sport going strong. This is what NASCAR might need for those last second shot style dramatic finishes that seemed to have been diminishing in racing over the past years.

Lets hear it Twitter! Everyone has there opinion and is entitled to them. What do you think? Do you like it? Are you not sure? Hate it? What's your reasons?

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