New Points System, Same NASCAR?

Later this week the NASCAR powers-that-be, President Mike Helton and VP of Competition Robin Pemberton, will address the possible change in NASCAR's point system and possibly unveil an altogether new system. Many fans and pundits have concluded that this suspected change will "cure" NASCAR. Not so fast.

Most of those same people have voiced their opinion that the Chase system is flawed, that not enough points are given to winners or the points leader entering the Chase. With those I agree, however, we must remember that if it is flawed it is flawed for everyone, so it is by definition fair. As Darrell Waltrip aluded to when asked about the changes, it is all perception, the teams adjust their strategies to suit the system.

Some of the same comentators and enthusiasts have proposed giving points to pole sitters. Although the idea behind this is good: encourage speed, bring viewers to qualifying, and discourage laid-back qualifying, I disagree. What you would see from this would be mid-pack cars pouring everything into qualifying and at "impound" races the first ten to twenty laps would be ridiculous. What would really be gained from this in the effort of deciding a champion?

Either way, change is coming, but thank God NASCAR, drivers and fans alike, will adapt and racing will continue!

Read more by Joseph Davis at The Spotter Stand

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