So many people state that without the "Chase" there is no playoff and that it is needed to root for their driver and to give them a chance? Even if a driver was to win the first 9 out of 18 races and lock up the championship before the deason was more than half over.... there are still 18 races that you can root for your driver to win. In baseball and basketball there are just so many games and each game in and of it self is meaningless. But in NASCAR, every race matters! And even if the 50th place driver who is running a short schedule wins a race, it is a big deal and everyone knows it! Look at Mark Martin... if it was only about winning the Championship he would have either finished the season by running every race or he wouldn't have run at all this year. What would the point be if all that mattered was just the Championship? Then Martin was just wasting everyones time running a short schedule.
The old system worked for a long time... then there was a TRUE champion!!!
2007-09-15 20:49:42 · 14 answers · asked by Ms Betty 4 in Sports ➔ Auto Racing ➔ NASCAR
You answered your own question very well.
Four years ago, it wasn't the fans who wanted the playoffs--it was NBC, being worried that NASCAR wouldn't be able to compete with football. Matt Kenseth had run away with the 2003 championship without winning a race. long before the season was over, and the network feared that such a repeat season would drive fans away from boredom. So, NASCAR, and the brand new series sponsor, NEXTEL came up with the Chase for the Championship format for 2004. Most of us fans, especially the old timers had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the new idea, but, gradually, we have warmed up to the idea. The racing for the last eleven races has become more intense, and more fun for the fans.
NASCAR is always in a state of flux; it has been constantly changing from it's very conception, and most of the fans accept it.
No, NASCAR does not need playoffs, but it sure makes it fun.
2007-09-15 21:14:47 · answer #1 · answered by jgrevinjim 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I'm not quite sure what you mean by TRUE champion, considering Kurt Busch was the first Chase championship winner. But the chase was brought into effect for several reasons which sadly we can only guess at. Most say it is for ratings. So that it doesn't end like the last 2 season of the Busch series, where the leader in points half way through the season could almost sit out the rest of the season and still win the championship. Yes I'm exaggerating but you should get the idea. If your driver runs well enough during the first 26 races he may still have a chance over the driver who has sat on top of the points standing for those 26 races. Thus keeping people who like particular drivers still hoping.
Another popular reason is that, many complained about Matt Kenseth winning the Winston Cup Championship after only winning 1 race. Many believe if you don't win the most races you shouldn't be champion... the reason for the latest changes. But if a driver were to win 8 races and receive a DNF for the remaining races does that really make him the best racer out there. If you a TRUE race fan you roll with the punches that nascar throws and you go out and watch the races and you go to you hometown track everyweek because you love racing abd to watch drivers who love racing. Yes the money isn't bad, but do you really think these guys woke up one morning and said " I'm going to win a championsip" or is it more likely the are just excited to get in a car everyweek whether it is the Stock car you see on the dirt track in town, the forever modified Nascar Stock car or even the dreaded COT, and think "I'm going to win this race"
2007-09-18 12:51:56 · answer #2 · answered by jesi771 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people thinks it adds excitement and some don't. What happens is the way the current chase is set up it takes away from the excitement of the first 26 races and yes it adds to the remaining 10 races. There are considerations now from Nascar and Brian France to make improvements to the current system. They are considering adding a trophy and rewards (money and/or points) to the winner of the first 26 races. They will discuss during the off season (Nov thru Feb) all different options of trying to improve on the system for next year. An article on Nascar said there are a lot of ideas being presented so the actual changes will not be known for a while. Meanwhile we just have to accept the current system. Maybe they can come to terms that everyone can agree on.
2007-09-16 14:13:23 · answer #3 · answered by Tina 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Payoff? Like they don't get enough as is? lmao.
The sport is losing fans and Bill France is trying to make more changes. Something totally stupid because the leader at the end of the 1st part of the season goes on for the championship (lets reward the top drivers more, yeah!!) and does nothing for the rest of the drivers. I said it before I will say it again. He needs to let go of this Chase BS and go back to the old system keeping a few ideas about extra points for poles and wins.
I agree (for this years example) Gorden's big lead is now gone and could cost him the championship as the points system is. For me my driver is no longer in the chase and will only be out turning laps for cash and sponsor time. Meaning my season with NASCAR is over and my attention is now the NFL. Yes he could still win and get a trophy, but that's it. He is out of the big picture and would be set on the back burner the next day.
For 12 driver's fan the thrill now begins, the rest of the driver's fans are hung out to dry....period.
If it remains as is, they may as well change the name from NASCAR to the FMG (France's Money Game).
2007-09-17 12:42:09 · answer #4 · answered by MrsB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "chase " was bad enough. They took Jeff Gordon's championship away this year, so he has to go out and win the same thing again. I am NOT a fan of #24, the guy is talented and I hope he does win it all. They can shove it down NASCAR's throat.
Between that and the top 35 are locked in for races next year and we have to endure the "Crap of Tomorrow" car, screwed up the Bristol track, you will be able to buy tickets next year for big discounts. I go to local tracks now. They get my money.
2007-09-16 11:02:56 · answer #5 · answered by WooleyBooley again 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definitely do not need a playoff.
The true champion should be the person who was most consistent throughout the season. In other sports, it is a whole different set-up. The have multiple teams and don't play each and every team each week. In Nascar, they all "play" each week, hence, no need for a playoff.
The TV networks and Nascar wanted to bring more fans onboard. What they are bringing in are those that only watch the special events (playoffs, Daytona, etc). Those of us that are long-time fans never needed the system they have now and it could go away tomorrow and not hurt my feelings one bit.
2007-09-16 08:07:38 · answer #6 · answered by Jayme M 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I didnt think i would like it in the begining but you have to hand it to nascar when they made the chase rules ive been a die hard nascar fan for a number of years and would get bored with it after we all new who the champ was now its usually down to the last laps of the last race that tells us the story It adds more drama look at the drama that built up just for Jr tring to make the chase i was rootin for him and kinda sad when he didnt make it It just gives more excitment for the fan base is all
2007-09-16 11:45:52 · answer #7 · answered by drew d 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am kind of excited to see how this pans out. Personally, I think there are some hiccups that need to be worked out.
For example. I love the top 12 being in the chase, I love the idea of bonus points for wins (I used to hate it when everyone just raced for points) however, I think there should be something along the lines of 50 bonus points for winning the 'regular season.'
This would give an advantage to the team that raced best - almost like the hometown advantage works for football.
That's just my thought
2007-09-16 10:29:07 · answer #8 · answered by Sister blue eyes 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
This whole "playoff" idea is simply meant to get the below average fan involved in the sport. (And YES it is a sport) For the average to very involved fan, we don't need a playoff. We understand that their is more to winning a championship than just winning races. You have to be consistent. This is simply invented by the tv people to get more ratings from the people who wouldn't be watching otherwise.
2007-09-16 07:24:16 · answer #9 · answered by IFlyGuy 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You're right. We don't need a playoff. When the sport became more popular and more people watched and became involved, everyone had an opinion about how to fix something that wasn't broken. That's the price we pay to involve more fans, sponsors, networks etc.
2007-09-17 21:22:42 · answer #10 · answered by Twain Harte Gal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋