NASCAR hopes to keep Sprint Cup ceremony in Vegas: As invitees filed out of the Sprint Cup awards ceremony on Friday, it marked not only the end of the event, but also the end of the three-year deal that brought NASCAR's Champion's Week to Las Vegas. The week-long championship celebration moved to the desert in 2009 after a long stint in New York, where the event often struggled for recognition. In Las Vegas, NASCAR has found that and more -- strong crowds attended events such as the Victory Lap show car parade down the Strip, which even attracted news helicopters hovering overhead. As this Champion's Week concluded, indications were that the event would return to Las Vegas, although no formal announcement of such has yet been made. An agreement between NASCAR and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority brought the event to the city. "We certainly have a desire to come back. There's a desire I think from them to have us back," Steve Phelps, NASCAR's chief marketing officer, said Friday. "I think we're just trying to figure out, what are the right assets that work for them? What is the best way to engage with the fan base and bring as many people to the city as possible? But we're excited about the possibilities of getting something renewed. We don't have anything right now. There are discussions that are going on."(NASCAR.com)(12-4-2011)

NASCAR announces changes for 2011 season: NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field and it has simplified its points system for 2011, making it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.
While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of wins during the first 26 races.
The top 10 in points following Race No. 26 – the “cutoff” race – continue to earn Chase berths.
Positions 11 and 12 are “wild card” qualifiers and will go to non-top-10-ranked drivers with the most wins, as long as they’re ranked in the top 20 in points. The top-10 Chase drivers will continue to be seeded based on wins during the first 26 races, with each win worth three bonus points. The wild card drivers will not receive bonus points for wins and will be seeded 11th and 12th, respectively. It’s a move aimed towards rewarding winning and consistency during the regular season.
Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, made the announcements at the NASCAR Hall of Fame during NASCAR’s annual media event as part of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour.
“The fans tell us that winning matters the most with them, so we’re combining the tradition of consistency in our sport with the excitement that comes along with winning,” said France. “This makes every race count leading into the 26th race of the season at Richmond, when we set the field for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.”
The new points system – which applies to all NASCAR national series – will award points in one-point increments. As an example, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, race winners will earn 43 points, plus three bonus points for the win. Winners also can earn an extra point for leading a lap and leading the most laps, bringing their total to a possible maximum of 48 points.
All other drivers in a finishing order will be separated by one-point increments. A second-place finisher will earn 42 points, a third-place driver 41 points, and so on. A last-place finisher – 43rd place – earns one point. In the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the last-place finisher receives eight points, to account for that series’ 36-driver race field.
“Many of our most loyal fans don’t fully understand the points system we have used to date,” said France, referencing the system that has been in use since 1975. “So, we are simplifying the points system to one that is much easier to understand. Conceptually, it is comparable to our previous system, but it is easier to follow.”
During his remarks Wednesday night, France reflected on the outstanding competition the sport enjoyed in 2010 and expected to see that high-caliber of racing to continue once the green flag drops for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 Feb. 20.
“NASCAR enters 2011 with positive momentum and a great sense of excitement and optimism,” said France. “We’re extremely excited for the launch of the season. Leading the season off with Daytona, Phoenix and Las Vegas, we believe our fans are in store for some of the best racing the sport has to offer.”
Other competitive enhancements announced Wednesday:
Pick a Series – Drivers in all three national series now must select the series where they’ll compete for a driver championship. Drivers still may compete in multiple series and help their teams win owner titles in series where they’re not competing for a driver title. The move helps spotlight young talent in the NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
New Qualifying Procedure – The qualifying order will be set based upon slowest to fastest practice speeds.
Inclement Weather Qualifying – If bad weather cancels qualifying, the final starting lineup will be determined by practice speeds. The same rule book procedures will be used to determine eligibility to start a race. If weather cancels practice sessions, then the starting lineup will be set by points, per the rule book.
Tire Rules Revision – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams now are allowed five sets of tires for practice and qualifying instead of six. They must return four of those sets to Goodyear in order to receive their race allotment, and may keep one set of practice/qualifying tires. Tire allotments for race weekends will vary according to historical performance data.
Closed Loop Fueling System – Introduced in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, this goes into effect for all three national series in 2011. It combines a more efficient fueling system with the elimination of the catch-can man, considered the most “vulnerable” pit-crew member. Teams now will use six, rather than seven, over-the-wall pit-crew members.
Evolution Of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Car – NASCAR continues to work with the manufacturers and teams to enhance the look of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. The cars have new fronts this season and the body makeover will continue to help appeal to fans and aid manufacturer identity.
(NASCAR)(1-26-2011)

Some additional notes about series changes:
• The last two spots of the Chase will go to the drivers with the most wins who aren't in the top 10 in the standings, but still ranked in the top 20. If there's a tie, the playoff spot goes to the driver with the most points.
• If no drivers have wins after the 10th position, the last two positions in the Chase will go to the 11th and 12th place drivers.
• The wild card drivers will receive no bonus points and will start with a base of 2,000 points. The previous Chase featured a 5,000-point base and 10 points per win to start the Chase.
• Any penalties will be adjusted for the new system.Last year some penalties were as high as 150 points.
• If qualifying gets rained out, drivers that make the race will be the same, based on the rule book (top 35, past champion, race winners, etc), but the starting positions will be deteremined by practice speeds.
• Points will not be given to owners that do not make the race, but NASCAR will keep track of attempts.
• There will be no changes to the top-35 rule.
• No mention was made of altering race start times.
(1-27-2011)

Chase will go to top 10, plus 2 biggest winners: Twelve NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will make the Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2011 -- the top 10 in points and the two drivers not in the top 10 who have the most race victories in NASCAR’s 26-race regular season. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France is expected to confirm that arrangement, along with a points system that gives 43 points to race winners and then one-point increments down to just one point for the last-place finisher. Each driver who leads a lap will get one bonus point, and regular-season race winners are expected to get two or three Chase bonus points for each victory. There will be no knockout rounds in the Chase, as NASCAR had hinted at earlier.(SPEED)(1-26-2011)

Some highlights from Friday's NASCAR Press Conference: NASCAR president Mike Helton and vice president of competition Robin Pemberton held a press conference at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. Some notes and highlights:
NASCAR president Mike Helton confirmed Friday that drivers will be allowed to race for only one championship this season. The rule is designed to prevent Sprint Cup drivers from dominating the second-tier Nationwide Series. Full-time Cup drivers have won the last five Nationwide titles. Helton also said NASCAR is leaning toward a simpler points system for all three of its national series. Helton says bonus points would be added to put an emphasis on winning races (ESPN).
Helton also indicated that a new points system is coming to the top three series. It likely will be one in which points are awarded one per position from with the winner getting 43 points and the last place driver just one. There likely will be bonus points offered to encourage drivers to race for wins and to keep championships from being decided by consistency alone. And there are expected to be provisions that allow drivers who don’t finish the regular season in the elite group but have won races to have a shot at being added to the Chase field. He said the goal is to make the points system easier to understand for casual fans as well as those more familiar with the sport.
The rookie of the year program also is expected to undergo some changes. With no rookie drivers signed up to run full-time in Cup this year, adjustments likely will be made to deal with a rookie like Trevor Bayne, who is signed to drive the Wood Brothers’ #21 Ford but only has 17 races scheduled this year.
Helton said starting times for Cup races, which were standardized last year, could see some changes. He said the times might need to be adjusted given the length of the NASCAR season. Last year, races started just after 1 pm, 3 pm. or 7:30 pm depending on the location of the track.
NASCAR appears to be on pace to switch from carburetors to fuel injection, but fuel injection won’t be used in points-paying Cup races this year. Cars will run on an ethanol blend fuel and a new fueling system that doesn’t require a traditional vent will be used.(RacinToday)
Helton also said the sanctioning body has not made a decision concerning possible changes to the championship point systems for the 2011 Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. He admitted, however, that the move is receiving serious consideration in an attempt to make those championships simpler for fans to understand. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France is expected to announce the sanctioning body’s final decision next Wednesday (Sirius Speedway)(1-21-2011)

How would had points looked in 2010 using 'simplier' method?: Tom Bowles from Sports Illustrated redid the 2010 points, using the possible new and simplier points system that NASCAR may go to according to an AP report. Here is the final top 12:
#48-Jimmie Johnson: 388
#29-Kevin Harvick: 387
#11-Denny Hamlin: 386
#99-Carl Edwards: 340
#17-Matt Kenseth: 314
#16-Greg Biffle: 293
#14-Tony Stewart: 287
#24-Jeff Gordon: 279 (+1 spot over current system)
#33-Clint Bowyer: 272 (+1)
#18-Kyle Busch: 267 (-2)
#2-Kurt Busch: 265
#31-Jeff Burton: 232
But what about the bonus points, you're asking? That hasn't been divulged by NASCAR either, but let's pretend it's one point for leading a lap, two extra for leading the most and a three-point bonus for winning. So that would mean the max a driver could score per race is 48, leaving a possible 47-point swing between first and last place.(see full article at the Sports Illustrated)(1-19-2011)

NASCAR may scrap points system? UPDATE: NASCAR is considering scrapping the points system it has used since 1975 in favor of a simpler method that awards points per finishing position. The overhauling of the system is one of a handful of changes NASCAR is considering implementing before the season begins next month. Series officials have been detailing their ideas in individual meetings with teams. The sanctioning body wants to go to a scoring system that would award 43 points to the race winner, and one point less for each ensuing position down to one point for the 43rd-place finisher. NASCAR is also shying away from wholesale changes to its Chase for the Sprint Cup championship format. Teams have been told NASCAR is leaning toward keeping it a 12-driver field, with one caveat: The top 10 drivers following the 26th race of the season would qualify for the Chase, while the remaining two spots would go to the drivers with the most wins who are not already eligible for the Chase. Preseason testing begins Thursday at Daytona International Speedway, and NASCAR president Mike Helton and vice president of competition Robin Pemberton are scheduled to discuss some of the changes planned for 2011. But the major announcements aren't scheduled until next week when France makes a presentation during Charlotte Motor Speedway's annual media tour. NASCAR is still debating how to award bonuses under a straight points system, and ideas being considered are for anywhere from one to three points being given to lap leaders and race winners.(in part from the Associated Press)(1-17-2011)
UPDATE: Ramsey Poston, NASCAR managing director of corporate communications, said the sanctioning body has bounced several new competition ideas around to drivers and car owners in a recent series of town hall meetings. "NASCAR executives, including chairman and CEO Brian France, are in the process of meeting with drivers and team owners," Poston said in a phone interview Monday night. "In those meetings we have discussed a number of ideas for potential changes for the coming season, none of which have been finalized at this point." NASCAR president Mike Helton and vice president of competition Robin Pemberton will address 2011 rule changes in a news conference scheduled Friday at Daytona International Speedway. "We need to balance stories from past and look to the future to make things better," Speedway president Joie Chitwood III said from his home Monday night.
Darrell Waltrip won three Cup championships during his driving career, all with the current points system [but no Chase]. Contacted at his home near Nashville, Tenn., Monday night, he said changing the points would have little effect on who wins the championship. "If you run the numbers, I guarantee you it comes out the same," said Waltrip, now a racing analyst for Fox Sports. "It's all perception. I've said all along, when we can't explain it, so the people at home can understand it, it needs to be addressed. If you look at the history, 90% of the time, the championship comes down to two guys, sometimes three." Chitwood said he hopes to see the change because it would make the points system easier for fans to understand. "We can never stop improving our sport, whether it is what we do at the track or what NASCAR does to manage competition," Chitwood said.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-18-2011)

Looks like some changes coming to the Chase: NASCAR likely will make tweaks to the Chase format for next season, although probably not changes as extensive as initially assumed when chairman Brian France said in July that the governing body was looking at ways to create a Game 7 atmosphere. Officials likely will expand the playoff field from 12 to 15 and reset the points with two or three races remaining to guarantee there is another drama-filled finish such as the one we have going into Sunday's finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "What's really clear to me is when you put drivers in a position where there's a lot on the line, and they just can't have a good position and they actually have got to go out and win or lead laps or compete high, they do it," France said. "You're seeing that the last several weeks … and I bet that's the case on Sunday. So that tells us that the more we can do, to have incentives -- an incentive basis and decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often -- that's what we need to be thinking about." France will tell you creating this drama is "exactly what drivers want," even though Clint Bowyer started off Friday's media gatherings by saying, "I don't think they need to change the Chase." France will tell you it's what members of NASCAR's fan council and fans in general want. When it was suggested that there are fans who not only don't want to see changes but would like to see the Chase eliminated, France scoffed. "You met somebody that's telling you that?" he asked. Well, yeah. Hundreds, if not thousands. Just read some of the comments from [ESPN's] readers. "OK," France said. "Well, look, I mentioned to you that every -- almost every league and tournament -- is taking a look at their playoff or format style," France said. "Some will do a little; some will do nothing at all; and some might do something more drastic. And so I don't know what we are going to do, if anything."
France doesn't want to announce any changes that will detract from this race. But change is coming. It could come by the season-ending banquet in Las Vegas. The only change [drivers] seem to want is a rotating schedule for the final 10 races. That is being seriously looked at for 2012 and beyond.(in part from ESPN)
AND Key points from France's 30-minute Meet the Press here Friday:
-- No decision has been made on what tweaks to make to the championship points system.
-- He is planning shorter Saturday Nationwide races, coupled with some cost-cutting rules migrating up from the Truck series, such as using engines more than one race.
-- He likes ESPN's production package and on-air talent, but he is reconsidering the starting times of Sunday races.(MikeMulhern.net)(11-20-2010)

Latest on possible Chase changes: NASCAR is examining several options at altering the Chase format. The options include increasing the number of Chase drivers to 15, turning the 10-race Chase into an elimination tournament, going to some different tracks and creating a separate points system for the Chase drivers separate from the rest of the field. "We're going to make changes in the Chase that we think would serve us well for many, many years," NASCAR chairman Brian France said earlier this year. "If that means it's not something we're reacting to, whether it's lower ratings than we want … we look at these things annually. We looked at it very hard last year … but we didn't think the timing was right. But whatever we do, it will be with the industry having lots of chances to weigh in, and us in the end thinking this is something that we can build around that enhances winning, enhances the championship, gives us more of a playoff field than we currently have now, if that's where we end up."
One proposal that has been suggested by ESPN, which televises the Chase, is an elimination format where drivers are eliminated from contention each week until two remain going into the season finale at Homestead. Whoever finishes highest in that race would be declared the champion.
Another suggestion is the separate point system for the Chase drivers in which they're credited points as if it were a race within a race. That system would keep all 12 Chase drivers in contention as opposed to now when, for all intents and purposes, the last four drivers in this year's Chase are already out of the running after two races (Kansas City Star.(10-3-2010)

Some Chase drivers choose favorite songs for the Chase: Throughout the NASCAR season – and especially during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup – NASCAR's top drivers learn a lot about their competitors while they battle each other on the track nearly every weekend from February to November. On the track, they know their competition inside and out – off the track may be a different story, especially when it comes to their taste in music. After being on the road 38 weeks each year traveling the NASCAR circuit, each driver has had plenty of time to fine-tune the playlists on their iPods even if they can't listen to their favorite songs while racing at 180 mph around NASCAR tracks across the country each weekend.
Taking favorite songs personally submitted by this year's championship contenders, here is the ultimate Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playlist. From Elvis to Eminem, this 12-song compilation may surprise some of their most avid fans:
1. "Not Afraid" – Eminem (Denny Hamlin)
2. "Nothing Else Matters" – Metallica (Jimmie Johnson)
3. "Walk the Line" – Johnny Cash (Kevin Harvick)
4. "CC Rider" – Elvis (Clint Bowyer)
5. "Jukebox Hero" – Foreigner (Carl Edwards)
6. "Everything" – Buck Cherry (Greg Biffle)
7. "Another Way to Die" – Disturbed (Matt Kenseth)
8. "Love The Way You Lie" – Eminem (Denny Hamlin)
9. "It's Now Or Never" – Elvis (Clint Bowyer)
10. "Say It Ain't So" – Weezer (Kevin Harvick)
11. "Enter Sandman" – Metallica (Greg Biffle)
12. "Miracle" – Nonpoint (Matt Kenseth)
Bonus Track: "Wired to the T" – Dorrough (Mark Martin)
From selections like these, it's easy to see these drivers know "It's Now or Never," and won't be waiting on a "Miracle" as they put "Everything" on the line in order to hoist the NASCAR Sprint Cup trophy on Nov. 21.(Catalyst)(9-28-2010)

NASCAR won't inspect more Chase cars after races: NASCAR has considered taking all 12 Chase For The Sprint Cup cars following each race for more thorough inspections, but hasn't seen widespread issues that would require such extensive follow-up, NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Friday. NASCAR takes the race-winning car and at least one other car to its research and development center in North Carolina after every race to make sure the car and how the body sits on the frame meets NASCAR regulations. It was in that inspection at the research and the development center that it found the race-winning car of Clint Bowyer to be illegal on Wednesday, three days after he won the first Chase race at New Hampshire. The failure of his car has prompted talk that NASCAR should take more Chase cars, and possibly all 12, following each event in the Chase. "We've done several hundred cars, and if a team has an issue, problem or [is] headed in the wrong direction, we talk about it and they go fix the problem," Pemberton said prior to practice Friday at Dover International Speedway. "We haven't had anything [illegal] in almost two years and that was light sheet metal. We haven't really had a problem. … If someday it winds up being there, fine. But right now our processes work quite well. We feel like the majority of the garage has done things correctly. From time to time, we find things that are not out of the box but are to the zero-margin. It hasn't been an epidemic in any way shape or form." The equipment used to conduct the complicated frame inspections cannot easily be moved to the track and that's one of the reasons why it is done at the research center. The plates the cars sit on during the inspection weigh thousands pounds and all of the equipment would need to be recalibrated if moved off site, Pemberton said. He said there are no plans to try to do those inspections at the Chase-determining race at Richmond nor the season finale at Homestead.(Scene Daily)(9-24-2010)

Chase Changes still up in the air: NASCAR officials continue to discuss possible changes to the Chase for the Sprint Cup for the 2011 season and beyond. With NASCAR chairman Brian France having promised significant changes, officials are continuing to debate the positives and negatives of switching to a format that would include driver eliminations as the Chase progresses. The most controversial part of the discussions centers on the concept of a winner take all format in the final race of the season. France wants to add what he has described as "World Series game seven" excitement and tension to the closing weeks of the season, but some drivers have stressed that NASCAR should continue to consider drivers' body of work during the season.(Ford)
AND: am hearing that amonmg many scenarios that NASCAR is considering are:
1) the top 16 drivers enter the chase and they reset the points. After the 5th race in the chase, the top 8 in those point standings move on and the bottom 8 are eliminated from the chase. The points are then reset for the top 8. After race 9, the top 4 move onto the last race and the bottom 4 are eliminated from the chase. The points are then reset for the top 4.(supposedly this is the one that is least being considered as it is a tad confusing)
2) the top 16 start for the chase. After race 5, the top 8 move on and the bottom 8 are eliminated. The points are then reset for the top 8. After race 7, the top 4 move on and the bottom 4 are eliminated. The points are then reset for the top 4. After race 9, the top 2 move on and the bottom 2 are eliminated. The points are then reset for the top 2.(9-5-2010)

12th place & the Chase: what happens if #33-Clint Bowyer finishes 43rd/last and only getting 34 points?
#1-McMurray, 13th in drivers points, could take over 12th if he finishes 10th or better
#5-Martin, 14th, would need to finish 9th or better
#39-Newman, 15th, would need to finish 5th or better
#9-Kahne, 16th, would need to finish 2nd or better
(not taking into account, leading laps or the most laps)(9-5-2010)

Chase Clinch Sceneios going into Atlanta: #29-Kevin Harvick and #24-Jeff Gordon have already clinched berths in the 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup. A number of drivers can add their names to that coveted list. Leaving Atlanta, a driver must be 196 points ahead of 13th place to officially clinch a spot in the Chase. A few seem likely to do that; others have a chance; still others might have to wait until Richmond to cement a spot. Here’s the breakdown:
There’s no such thing as a sure thing. But these guys are as close as it gets. Below are the finishing positions each driver would need to guarantee a Chase spot this weekend, regardless of how any other driver finishes:
3) #18-Kyle Busch
40th or better, no laps led
42nd or better, at least one lap led
43rd or better, most laps led
4) #99-Carl Edwards
21st or better, no laps led
23rd or better, at least one lap led
25th or better, most laps led
5) #11-Denny Hamlin
20th or better, no laps led
22nd or better, at least one lap led
23rd or better, most laps led
Likely Candidates - Here are a few drivers who have a better than average shot at clinching this weekend:
6) #14-Tony Stewart
19th or better, no led
21st or better, at least one lap led
23rd or better, most laps led
7) #31-Jeff Burton
17th or better, no laps led
19th or better, at least one lap led
21st or better, most laps led
8) #17-Matt Kenseth
15th or better, no laps led
17th or better, at least one lap led
19th or better, most laps led
Finally there are the remaining drivers who can clinch this weekend. They may have to wait until Richmond to lock up their spot:
9) #48-Jimmie Johnson
10th or better, no laps led
11th or better, at least one lap led
13th or better, most laps led
10) #2-Kurt Busch
9th or better, no laps led
10th or better, at least one lap led
11th or better, most laps led
11) #16-Greg Biffle
4th or better, no laps led
5th or better, at least one lap led
7th or better, most laps led
12) #33-Clint Bowyer
Currently 100 points ahead of 13th, Bowyer would need to gain 96 points. Therefore, there is no finish that would guarantee a Chase spot. He would need to finish strong, and get some help.(NASCAR)(8-31-2010)

NNS to get the Chase? UPDATE doubtful: NASCAR officials are considering a possible Chase playoff format for the Nationwide Series next season that would exclude Sprint Cup competitors, sources confirmed Tuesday. NASCAR president Mike Helton met with Nationwide Series team owners, drivers and crew chiefs Monday in Concord, N.C., to discuss cost-containment ideas and possible changes that would allow a Nationwide-only driver to win the championship. If implemented, a Nationwide Series Chase probably would have fewer drivers and fewer races than the Chase for the Sprint Cup, which has 12 drivers for the final 10 events. Full-time Sprint Cup drivers have won the past four Nationwide Series titles and a Cup driver probably will win it again this season. Brad Keselowski holds a commanding lead over Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch, all three of whom are Cup regulars. NASCAR wants to bring more attention to Nationwide Series drivers who don't compete regularly in the Cup series. Officials discussed the possibility of limiting or eliminating points for a Cup driver who ranks in the top 35 in the Cup standings. Cup drivers still could compete in all the Nationwide events, but not compete for the championship. The team owner of those cars would continue to receive owners points, which would allow the car to win the owner's championship, but not the driver championship. Teams also talked about making sure the new Nationwide car, which is the same chassis as the Cup car with the same safety features, remains different from the Cup version.(ESPN.com)(8-17-2010)
UPDATE: Whether that proposal will become a reality remains a question, as NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France told ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett that he doubted the Nationwide series would get a Chase. "I don't think so. It's a shorter season, for starters with 10 fewer races or so. That would create some issues," France said. "We have four national divisions, so we've got to distinguish them and doing too many things wouldn't do that. I don't think you'll see that." However, France said creating a structure where a Nationwide regular can win that series instead of a Sprint Cup regular remains a goal.(ESPN)(8-18-2010)

Elimination style Chase still under consideration? UPDATE: Wondering what topics were discussed during the most recent NASCAR Town Hall Meeting this week? If [Fox Sports'] sources are correct, the times they are a changin' - again. Let's start with the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup format. For now, the one format being discussed [is] where the top 15 drivers in the points standings are selected for an elimination-style championship. The first five drivers could be ousted, say, after the first four races and five more drivers knocked out depending on points perhaps four or five races later. The five left standing will battle for a winner-take-all in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway - or whatever race NASCAR determines to place in that pivotal position on the schedule. Other hot topics included: The schedule, Changes to the Nationwide Series where Sprint Cup drivers in the top 35 would not be able to compete against full-time development drivers, The addition of more testing, and Fuel injection.(Fox Sports)(7-24-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials are still debating several changes to the Chase For The Sprint Cup format for next year but are leaning toward a system that would eliminate drivers from the playoffs, NASCAR Chairman Brian France said Sunday. France didn't give much insight into what could be changed. He said he will attend focus groups with fans in two weeks to get their input and is still cultivating reaction from the NASCAR industry to a variety of proposals. "Regarding the options that we have on the table, the only ones we would consider are ones that would make winning at a given moment more important than they are today," France said Sunday prior to the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "How you do that? There's a number of ways to do that. It comes with some version as you go along where certain races in the Chase, you have to win or do very, very well, to in fact move on. When you peel that back and look at it, it's not that different," It is possible no changes will be made, France said. "We haven't made a decision. We may not think the timing is right. … Not changing the Chase is definitely a viable option," he said. "The Chase, although we haven't seen the results of that as often as we'd like, is certainly better than the total consistency model that was in place for so many years."(Scene Daily)(7-26-2010)

NASCAR looking at changes to Chase: UPDATE: NASCAR is considering tweaking the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, with chairman Brian France wanting to create more drama to the title-deciding format. "We want to make sure (the Chase) is giving us the biggest impact moments it was designed to do," France said Friday. "Everything, to us, means pushing the winning envelope to mean what it needs to mean in our sport. We're happy with the Chase, (but) if we can enhance it in a pretty significant way, we may do that." The Chase was one of several topics France covered Friday at Daytona International Speedway during a question-and-answer session. Also under consideration are changes to the second-tier Nationwide Series that could affect the participation of Cup drivers, and scheduling requests made by track operators International Speedway Corp. and Speedway Motorsports Inc. for the 2011 season. But it was the Chase that received the most attention as France admitted NASCAR is continuously trying to improve its championship system. France would not talk specifics, but in general terms, his ideas sounded as if NASCAR is considering both eliminations and tweaking the system to ensure that several drivers are in title contention during the season finale. In the past several years, Johnson has had to only preserve a decent finish to wrap up the title with little to no competition. Although unlikely, it's possible, France indicated, that NASCAR won't do anything at all to the Chase. He compared the process over the next few months to what the NCAA recently experienced while considering expanding the field for the men's basketball tournament.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(7-2-2010)
UPDATE: One change that seems to be gaining support in the garage would be to make the Chase an elimination-style format. Under one scenario, 15 drivers would make the 10-race playoff. After two races, the field would be trimmed to 10. After three more races, the field would be cut to five. After two more, the field would shrink to three drivers, who would then battle for the championship over the last three races. One other idea that's being thrown around is to include a road-course event in the 10-race playoff. If these are truly the best drivers in the world, which is what NASCAR continually pronounces, then the ability to turn right and left should be included when determining a champion.(Sports Illustrated)(7-5-2010)

The "Race to the Chase": Securing a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup means doing the math: 10 tracks plus 10 weeks equals intense competition. The "Race to the Chase" – the 10-week stretch that begins Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and ends Saturday, Sept. 11 at Richmond International Raceway – determines the lineup for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. After race No. 26 at Richmond, the top 12 drivers in the standings compete for the NASCAR Sprint Cup title during the final 10 events. They lock down those spots during the Race to the Chase, a summer gauntlet that includes many highlights, notably the traditional Fourth of July weekend race at Daytona International Speedway and the Brickyard 400 at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The demands begin immediately. Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at 1.058-mile New Hampshire takes place on a flat track distinguished by its deceptively difficult turns and tight radiuses. The July 3 event at Daytona features 2.5-miles of high-banked, high-speed action – with all the accompanying holiday fireworks. The July 11 event at Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval, is a growing tradition – Saturday-night action for a third consecutive year. Following an off week, the Race to the Chase resumes July 26 at Indianapolis and its flat, 2.5-mile rectangle. The Aug. 2 event also takes place on a 2.5-mile surface, but Pocono Raceway's triangle is very different with its three distinct turns and long straightaways. NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers hit the road on Aug. 9 for the 2.45-mile road course at Watkins Glen International. They follow on Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway, a flat, wide 2-mile track that accommodates numerous strategies. The Race to the Chase ends with three Saturday-night showdowns – the Aug. 21 race at .533-mile Bristol Motor Speedway, the Labor Day weekend event on Sept. 5 at 1.5-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway and race No. 26 – the cutoff event – at .75-mile Richmond, another short-track staple. Bonus points become paramount during the Race to the Chase. Chase-eligible drivers are seeded by their win totals through the first 26 races (10 points per win). The driver with the most wins earns the top seed.(NASCAR)(6-24-2010)

Chase format could change?: NASCAR officials are meeting with drivers and team owners to discuss possible changes in the sport, including how the Sprint Cup champion is determined. While NASCAR c hairman Brian France has been careful not to make abrupt modifications to the title Chase since its debut in 2004, it seems as if changes are due. The Chase field expanded from 10 to 12 drivers in 2007. NASCAR also began awarding 10 bonus points that year for each race a driver wins before the Chase. NASCAR can examine the Chase and other topics because of the sense that the racing has improved. So the meetings this past week - some still need to be held - provide NASCAR a chance to discuss the Chase, testing, what to do with Cup drivers in Nationwide Series races and other topics. "They're certainly looking at the future," said Jeff Burton, who joined Richard Childress Racing officials in meeting with NASCAR last week. "Every conversation I've ever been in with NASCAR, once a year there's a conversation about the Chase. Does it work? Could it be better? That's almost an annual conversation." With the Chase, some of the questions being asked are about the number of competitors, the format and how to determine the champion. When asked about possible changes about how the champion is determined, Mark Martin said he told series officials: "Go for it." Dale Earnhardt Jr., who also met with series officials last week, said: "I didn't get a sense that there was a guarantee on any major changes." Among some of the ideas involving the Chase would be expanding the field. Based on the percentage of teams that make the Chase (27.9 percent of a 43-car field make it), NASCAR trails other pro sports when compared to the percentage of teams that make the playoffs. One suggestion tossed in the meetings is resetting the points for the top drivers heading into the final race.(Virginian Pilot)(6-16-2010)

Chase format could change?: NASCAR officials are meeting with drivers and team owners to discuss possible changes in the sport, including how the Sprint Cup champion is determined. While NASCAR c hairman Brian France has been careful not to make abrupt modifications to the title Chase since its debut in 2004, it seems as if changes are due. The Chase field expanded from 10 to 12 drivers in 2007. NASCAR also began awarding 10 bonus points that year for each race a driver wins before the Chase. NASCAR can examine the Chase and other topics because of the sense that the racing has improved. So the meetings this past week - some still need to be held - provide NASCAR a chance to discuss the Chase, testing, what to do with Cup drivers in Nationwide Series races and other topics. "They're certainly looking at the future," said Jeff Burton, who joined Richard Childress Racing officials in meeting with NASCAR last week. "Every conversation I've ever been in with NASCAR, once a year there's a conversation about the Chase. Does it work? Could it be better? That's almost an annual conversation." With the Chase, some of the questions being asked are about the number of competitors, the format and how to determine the champion. When asked about possible changes about how the champion is determined, Mark Martin said he told series officials: "Go for it." Dale Earnhardt Jr., who also met with series officials last week, said: "I didn't get a sense that there was a guarantee on any major changes." Among some of the ideas involving the Chase would be expanding the field. Based on the percentage of teams that make the Chase (27.9 percent of a 43-car field make it), NASCAR trails other pro sports when compared to the percentage of teams that make the playoffs. One suggestion tossed in the meetings is resetting the points for the top drivers heading into the final race.(Virginian Pilot)(6-16-2010)

No changes to the Chase: After tinkering with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase the first few years of its existence, NASCAR went a third consecutive year without changing it. "We had other things to look at,'' NASCAR CEO Brian France said, alluding to a push to make the racing on the track closer. "We still like to look at the Chase over the longest period that we can. We will make changes to the Chase. We already have. We went from 10 to 12 (teams in 2007). It's all inter-connected how the rules packages affect the racing, affects how close things can by. My sense is that we'll look over the offseason for 2011 and see how it plays out and look at the totality of all the other things that we have to consider before we change or adjust the Chase. We like, obviously, the format style. The question is can we make it a little bit better.''(Virginian Pilot)(1-23-2010)

Here’s a look at how close things have been after three races in previous Chases:
2009: Six drivers within 100 points of lead
2008: Three drivers within 100 points of lead
2007: Three drivers within 100 points of lead
2006: Five drivers within 100 points of lead
2005: Five drivers within 100 points of lead (a sixth was exactly 100 back)
2004: Four drivers within 100 points of lead/(Virginian-Pilot)(10-5-2009)

How you start the season, important to make the Chase: People have caught on to how important a good start is in the Chase format, but right here is where you first read about that. We noticed it two years ago and the trends have not changed. Of the 54 drivers who've made the Chase in its first five years, 50 have been in the top 20 after four races. Forty-four have been in the top 15. And 72%, 39 of 54, were in Chase position after four races (the top 10 in 2004-06 or the top 12 the past two years). The four drivers in five years who have come from outside the top 20 after four races to make the Chase were Matt Kenseth and Jeremy Mayfield in 2005, Kevin Harvick in 2006 and Martin Truex Jr. in 2007. A lot was expected out of #5-Mark Martin. If he does turn things around and somehow comes from 34th in the driver standings to make the Chase, it would be historic. Kenseth had 339 points after four races in 2005 and still came back to make the top 10. No driver has made the Chase with a lower four-race points tally. Martin has just 286 points so far this year.(Charlotte Observer/David Poole). A few drivers outside the top 20 expected to compete for the Chase: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (24th), #39-Ryan Newman (32nd) and #5-Mark Martin (34th).(3-14-2009)

NASCAR may give "regular-season" bonus in the future: NASCAR is considering creating a reward for the winner of the "regular season" in response to the huge points lead Jeff Gordon built before the Chase for the championship. NASCAR chairman Brian France said earlier this week he is willing to explore the idea of rewarding the driver who is leading the points at the end of the 26th race of the season. Gordon built a lead of more than 300 points, but lost all of it when the field was reset this week for the Chase for the championship. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Friday that the sanctioning body will discuss the issue during the off season. Among the ideas being kicked around are awarding additional bonus points to be used in the seeding, more prize money or a trophy different from the Nextel Cup.(Associated Press/Yahoo Sports)(9-15-2007)

OWNERS: The Owners championship takes the same format as the drivers championship. Owners have their own Chase, so if a team uses more then one driver and is in the Top 12 after 26 races, that TEAM [not driver] would run for the Chase for the owners championship. The drivers would NOT. This means a driver in the Chase would have a team that is NOT in the chase.