France Thrilled With New Points System

RICHMOND, Va. Sep 11, 2004; Jenna Fryer writing for the AP reported that NASCAR took a risk when it overhauled its points system, but the end results have far exceeded chairman Brian France's expectations.

"We couldn't ask for anymore," he said Saturday. "It's raising the level of competition, more drivers are going to have a chance to win the title at the end of the year and it's put a lot at stake in a lot of races."

The battle to get into the 10-race playoff system ended Saturday night with the Chevrolet 400 at Richmond International Raceway. At least three spots in the chase were up for grabs when the race began, with eight drivers battling to get in.

It turned what was once just the 26th race on a 36-event schedule into an all-out event.

"When there's a lot at stake, you can feel it, there is drama, there is a buzz," France said. "Before, this was just another sold out race with not a lot at stake. It was just a good show."

Still, the new system has its share of critics.

Many are traditionalists, who saw nothing wrong with the system that rewarded consistency and had been used since 1975. But that formula made for runaway champions, who built big leads early in the season and coasted to the title.

Under the new formula, NASCAR will reset the standings after the race. The drivers in the top 10 will be separated in five-point increments and will race for the title over the final 10 events of the year.

The new system eliminates anyone else from winning the title. But it puts a premium on the race for 11th place, with a promise of a $1 million payout.

But the other downside to the new format is the notion that drivers not in contention for the title will be ignored — thus taking away the valuable TV exposure their corporate sponsors seek. It also raises questions over whether winning races will matter to teams outside the top 10.

France shot down both theories.

"That's the biggest misconception that we've had and it's proven out because Dale Jarrett and Mark Martin, two guys battling to get into the top 10 the last few races, are getting more coverage for their sponsors then they ever have," France said.

"And if you were 15th in the old system, your best bet to get sponsor exposure was to lead a bunch of laps and win races. The focus is back to where it should be, on winning races and winning the whole thing."