New vs. Old
There is a topic that every NASCAR fan has an opinion about: the old point system or the new point system. For whatever reason this topic always seems to add heat to any conversation.
I tend to favor the old point system. This system built the sport to what it is today. If a driver dominants, let him dominant; a good season should not be wiped out 10 races before the season is over (regardless of who that driver is!). Or what about the other side, if a driver who has had a bad season, no matter how good they are the last 10 races, it does not matter. I am by no means a Kyle Bush fan, but you have to feel sorry for the guy. He was having an amazing season and not only has it gone downhill by a landslide, his points were wiped out 10 races before the end of the season.
I also do not agree with the bonus point system. Who cares if you lead a lap during a caution because you did not pit? That is not racing and should not be rewarded. And do not even get me started on the “Lucky Dog.” Two weeks ago in Atlanta, Jimmy Johnson finished 2nd. The only reason he finished 2nd was because he was given his lap back after going a lap down. Jimmy was given his lap back. Without this rule, how much closer would Carl Edwards be to closing the gap in the Chase?
I can argue my point all day, but my main concern is the sponsors. NASCAR teams are fighting for sponsors, with many teams not knowing who will be on the side of their cars in February. This is already an issue and I feel like the Chase only makes this harder. What sponsor wants to put out millions each year to not have any television time for 10 races? Basically, if your car is not a sure bet to get into the Chase, sponsors will find somewhere else to take their money. Who knows, maybe without the millions each year NASCAR will remember the fans that made the sport what it is today.
And that’s the view from here.
AL