A lot of of the old NASCAR fans complain the chase isn't good for the sport. They long for the old days when the tilte was decided over the entire schedule, instead of a ten race shoot out. But is the Chase really bad for the sport. I don't think so and here are my reasons why.
- The chase gives 11 drivers a second chance at catching the winner. What is wrong with that? When you go back into the past and look at the final standings you will find that at most there were 3 drivers going that had a chance to win the title going into the last 10 races but no you have a Dozen drivers that have a chance.
- Some say it takes away from the excitement of the individual races during the regular season. That the drivers are racing for a chase spot. Well what is the difference between that and a Dale Earnhardt racing for points during the entire season. Sure everyone is racing for points and some may not go for a win because of these points, but in the past the last half of the season was run the same way. If you didn't have a legit chance to win then you raced for the points.
- Favorites like Jeff Gordon got screwed last year because he dominated the entire season then had it taken away by the chase. Well how many people will scream foul this year if Kyle Bush loses the chase? None. Herein lies the major problem with a lot of the old timers. The second year of the chase, a driver that would otherwise probably never would have won a championship won. And he wasn't a crowd favorite, and that is Kurt Bush. Kurt had a good season in 2004 but he wasn't a Championship contender until the chase then he got on a roll and won the title by 8 points. Well, instead of people embracing this they dissed it. (and I was probably guilty too).
No the chase has been good and if you don't believe me let Dale Earnhardt Junior win and see how many people who have claimed the past chase winners were not worthy of the championship, will now say Junior's championship is legit. I'm not picking on the Junior fans but am just pointing out that as long as the champion is one the masses like it will be legit. But let a Clint Bowyer, or David Regan slip into the chase after Richmond, then go on a roll and win it. Well, lets just say you could probably fill up the Superbowl, with the amount of crying you will hear from NASCAR Fans.
NASCAR like all sports have passionate fans and everything is ok, as long as it favors their favorites. But make a change in the rules that give a few more a chance at the pie and it is no longer good, unless of course their driver/team wins it all.