Posted on 01/15/2004 6:38:53 PM PST by NormsRevenge
Matt Kenseth is my favorite. Next five: Mark Martin, Bill Elliott, Ryan Newman, Jimmie Johnson, & Ward Burtin. My favorite Rookie is Kasey Kahne. Do you know if he'll race in the Nextel series full time this year? What about you...who's your favorite?
By MIKE HARRIS, AP Motorsports Writer
January 16, 2004
The revamped points system for NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series, with a playofflike structure during the last 10 races, will be designed to give any driver still in contention a shot at the championship.
The system will be announced in detail Tuesday during the annual media tour in Charlotte, N.C., NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said Friday. But Hunter noted the speculation the title chase would come down to only the top 10 in the points after 26 of 36 races was ``completely wrong.''
``I don't think we have ever put more research into something as we have into this so we don't exclude anybody who ran 26 races and still has a shot at the championship,'' he said.
``Obviously, we can't figure out every possible situation, but we're trying to make it as fair as we can for everyone.''
NASCAR has been considering for several years changing its points system. The sanctioning body has been leaning toward a playoff system that would freeze the field of competitors after the 26th race of the season.
Previous speculation was that the slate would be wiped clean for the top 10 drivers, who would compete for the championship over the final 10 races. Now it appears that could include any driver with at least a mathematical chance to win the title.
Hunter previously said another change would be rewarding race winners with more points. In the current system, the winner scored only five more points than the second-place finisher.
The playoff system would be for the Nextel Cup series only, although the Busch and Truck series also would adopt the change awarding additional points to race winners.
Debate over how to change the points system was spurred by Matt Kenseth's first title last year. His Roush Racing team was consistent all season, racking up a series-high 25 top-10 finishes while winning just once. Ryan Newman won a series-best eight races but finished sixth in the points.
Kenseth's lead in the standings was overwhelming by mid-July, eliminating any drama over the second half of the season.
Several drivers, including Kenseth, have said they don't like what they have heard about the revised points system.
``I think the problem is that the drivers don't have all the facts at this point,'' Hunter said. ``When they hear exactly how it will work, I think everyone will be pretty happy with it.''
*shakes me head in wonder* How can our thread leader be a 24 fan???
: )
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.