CHANGES TO THE CHASE FORMAT ANNOUNCED TODAY....
Starting this season, the 400-point cutoff is eliminated and the top-12 drivers in the points after Race 26 will qualify for the Chase.
All 12 drivers will have their point totals re-set to 5,000; each will then receive a 10-point bonus for each race victory they had during the first 26 races.
The Chase drivers will be "seeded" to start the Chase based on the number of wins amassed during the regular season.
In line with the Chase adjustments, wins throughout the season will be more valuable.
Race winners throughout the 36-race season will now receive 185 points, a five-point increase.
Counting the five-point bonuses available for leading at least one lap and leading the most laps, a race winner now can earn a maximum of 195 points, creating a possible maximum of 25 points between first- and second-place finishers.
The 2006 season of Kasey Kahne provides a dramatic illustration of the adjusted Chase format's implications.
Kahne qualified for last year's Chase, but started it in 10th place -- despite having won a series-high five races. Under the new format, Kahne would begin the Chase in first place, with 5,050 points.
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Nice and easy to figure out.
See the bit about the possible Super Bowl ad for Dale Jr?
I want to see bonus points for the number of fenders knocked off at short tracks!