1.) Now unfortunately yes, however the nascar season has an element of chance that no other sport has. therefore a playoff format is never going to be completely fair to everyone racing in it. One mishap and you lose the chase.
2.) The chase was put in place 9 years ago. Nascar has been around since 1948. That 55 years of racing under the old points system. Jeff started in Nascar in 1992. For the first 11 years he raced 1 points system and won 4 championships. Now you want him to change?
3.) There was a segment during the pre race show at homestead last year about why the fans don't respect Jimmie. He's never been a fan favorite. If you feel he gets respect good for you, I think he gets the respect he desevres.
4.) By that logic Brad K's 10 race run to get himself in the chase last year also deserves a title -it was when it mattered most for him. Tony Stewart also had a great 10 race streak last year, however the other 26 were below average. How can 10 races determine the best driver over a 36 race season?
5.) Great drivers do adapt. Jeff Gordon has won 9 road course races, 12 plate races, 7 at martinsville and atleast 1 on all but 2 current tracks. does that mean he cant' adapt?
I would also go on to ask my own questions
6.) In his great career Dale Earnhardt Sr. got a grand total of 76 cup wins and 7 championships. If Dale had started racing next year and run under the new points system and car of tomorrow would he have won those 7 titles? Would Richard Petty?
7.)If all that matters is the chase why is it a 36 race season, why do we not run a 5 race season to get the top 12 and then run the chase?
8.) And most importantly, Why hasn't Nascar listened to the majority fans and removed the chase?
1. That's the point of a playoff format.
2. No, I do not want him to change. I'm not a Jeff Gordon fan. If
HE wants to win more championships, then
HE better want him to change.
3. I never said he was a fan favorite. Dale Jr. has that by a landslide. But I feel Jimmie gets more respect than Dale Jr., so...
4. Brad's run doesn't deserve a title because he didn't end the chase with the most points. Tony Stewert did. The last 10 races don't determine the title. In order to be eligible for the chase, you need to first be consistant enough throughout the "regular season."
5. Has nothing to do with adapting to the changes that NASCAR lays down to its scoring system. Jeff Gordon is a great driver and is a contender in any race, but he hasn't adapted to the new format.
6. I can't predict what would've happened. I'm not a fortune cookie. But both of them would be pretty old to just be starting their careers, so I would guess "No" for both.
7. The chase isn't all that matters. You have to first be eligible for it. that is what the "regular season" determines. Once you meet that criteria, then you can compete with the rest of the eligible drivers for the championship.
Your problem is that you are trying to convince everyone that Jeff deserves more. He doesn't. He knows the rules. The fans wanted this type of system. When drivers were winning the championship with multiple races left on the season, it made the end of the season almost pointless to watch. This new system keeps everything very close. Tony and Carl tied last year and Tony had more wins, so he won. You can't get closer, down to the wire, type of racing than that. Not everyone supports the Chase format, but it is what it is. Either adjust, or don't. Throwing "ifs" out there isn't going to gain anyone more respect.
