NASCAR: New Chase Formats Good News For Lower Series
The decision to add a Chase format to the NASCAR XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series’ attests to a new era in NASCAR that is raising the competition level.
Through the changes NASCAR has instituted over the years, it’s clear the sport is ushering in a new era of competition.
Dating back to the introduction of the new style of bodies for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series that put the “stock” back in stock car, the sport has made many changes aimed at raising the competition level. The most drastic change came in 2014 when they revolutionized the Chase for the Sprint Cup format. It not only changed how a champion is crowned but the approach all competitors take in each and every race.
What has resulted from the initial changes? Excitement. The sport has never seen such thrills in the playoffs and especially in the winner take all season finale.
With a product that has worked to perfection to elevate the competition level of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, it seemed likely that the Chase format would eventually arrive in the XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series’.
Brian France made the monumental announcement on Tuesday, completing the introduction of the new era of competition to all three series’.
It’s no longer about what competitors can do to put together a full season of consistency and salvage a decent points finish. It’s now about what they are willing to do to win, compete for a championship and ultimately thrive in the sport.
Not only will the new system teach rising stars what it takes to succeed in this new era, but it will prepare them for what lies ahead in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In order to make it to the highest level, they must first prove that they can perform under pressure and succeed in the Chase format. This will provide valuable experience and teach them how to run for the championship in the new system.
It’s a lesson that the current stars of the Sprint Cup Series were never taught. They are having to adapt to the system in the prime of their careers. However, the next generation of drivers will have the experience and know what it takes to elevate their performance in order to flourish in this new era.
This attests to the true purpose of a development series. It doesn’t make much sense for drivers to learn one system as they gain experience only to have to compete under a completely different format once they make it to the Sprint Cup Series.
By having a universal playoff system, it will make for an easier transition between series’. In addition, it will allow for the competition level to remain on the rise as prospects continually improve their performance under the format as they work their way to the Sprint Cup Series.
The new system also changes a competitor’s approach to each race. Winning is at a premium and means more now than ever before. This will provide drivers with the necessary mindset that will lead to success today and ten years from now.
This approach is the way of the future as it emphasizes the importance of capturing victories. While it’s possible to find success under the Chase format without winning, the road is much more difficult. Wins provide a sense of relief and the ultimate glory every racer chases.
Drivers don’t grow up wanting to be a consistent racer, they want to be the very best. The only way to accomplish this is by winning. By further encouraging this across the board, NASCAR is taking a step in the right direction
The most important aspect of the newly implemented Chase system will be the exposure it provides to the two series’. When the conclusion of the season approaches, the conversation typically surrounds the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Why? Because of the excitement it produces. By providing the chance for the same thrills to infiltrate each series, it’s a win-win situation for NASCAR. Fans will be talking about all three divisions with the same enthusiasm as each thrilling title battle unfolds.
Increasing the level of exposure will not only attract new fans, but new sponsors who see the opportunity to partner with a team in the spotlight battling for racing’s ultimate prize, the championship.
When it all comes down to Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November, the thrills that the Sprint Cup Series finale has produced will double with two similar events preceding the most intense race of the season.
This makes it difficult not to be excited for the potential of a Chase system in the XFINITY and Truck Series’. The opportunities are endless as this new era of competition is set to carry the sport into the future.
The new Chase format has done wonders for the excitement level and overall approach to the competition in the Sprint Cup Series and is set to do the same in the XFINITY and Truck Series’.
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Having the best of the future duel under a similar system will be monumental for the sport. It will transform the way success is viewed in racing and will teach the next generation how to elevate their game in order to come out on top.