NASCAR held a press conference yesterday regarding significant format changes to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase for the Championship consisting of the final 10 events of NASCAR’s season.
Here are the major changes in the format:
– Chase Field is expanded from 12 to 16 … made up of drivers with the most wins during the regular season. If there are fewer than 16 drivers, then the Chase Field will be filled by the remaining drivers who are highest in regular-season points.
– Four drivers eliminated after first three post-season races, reducing the field to 12. A victory guarantees a driver a spot in the “next round”.
– Four more eliminated after next three post-season races, reducing the field to 8. A victory guarantees a driver a spot in the “next round”.
– After each elimination round, points for the remaining contenders will be reset.
– Following Chase Race No. 9, the championship field will be reduced to a “Final Four”. A victory guarantees a driver a spot in the “Final Four”.
– Only those four drivers will be eligible to win the title.
– In the final event the 12 previously eliminated drivers will compete for positions 5 through 16.
– Bonus points for laps led will not apply in the final race, so the highest finisher of the “Final Four” will be crowned champion.
