The NASCAR IV Drip Continues

So the NASCAR pre-season rumours are still flying around. 

Changes to the Chase format? Changes to the points system? Changes to this, changes to that... Change for changes sake is not necessarily the answer.

Why make changes? Answer... the fans aren't happy and TV viewing figures and attendance figures have fallen.

So why are the fans unhappy? Do they not like the cars? Do they not like the drivers? Do they not like the racing? Do they not like the tracks? Do they not like the Chase? Do they not like the points system? Do they not like the TV coverage? Do they not like the ticket prices? Do they not like the 48 winning all of the time? Any or all or a combination of the above?

NASCAR used to be a very traditional style of racing.  The cars traditionally have pushrod V8's with carburettors, they still have 4 speed stick shift transmissions and 3 pedals, they still have live rear axles, and small wheels with balloon tyres. They used to hold on to traditional venues and traditional races, and a traditional points system. For traditional read old fashioned, and to a certain extent long may tradition continue!

Certain things in NASCAR should stay "traditional". Others however, have changed, and are continuing to change. Some change is good, some, maybe not so good.

I understand the theory behind changing the points system; to make it simpler for the fans to understand. Do not however, think that changing the points system will change the outcome of a Championship. The cream will still rise to the top!

I am at a loss to understand the reason behind changing the "Chase", maybe as I am not sure of what the Chase was supposed to do in the first place. If it was introduced to help boost the TV figures once the NFL season started then that's one thing; if it was introduced to help the racing and keep the points race close then I am not so sure. Is changing the points system, to put more emphasis on winning in the regular system, fighting against the very existence of the Chase, which puts the emphasis on winning once the Chase has begun?

NASCAR has always been about the "show", and unlike wrestling NASCAR is a real sport. Maintaining the balance between "show" and "racing" is a hard one. I just hope the powers that be in Daytona are playing the long game, doing what they believe is for long term good and not attempting to answer the whims of those playing the short the game.

Good luck Messrs France, Pemberton and Helton, whatever you do somebody won't like it.