| The Great Points Debate |
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I have received many e-mails about how Jeff Gordon has run away with the championship and that basically it's over with 5 races to go. I have also received similar ones about Harvick and the Busch title. First, let me say, the battle is never over until the trophy is presented and Gordon, who is no stranger to titles, will tell you that. Granted, with him only needing to finish in the top 11 each of the next races to clinch the title, it is just about wrapped up.
I read articles about how the point system needs to be revamped so we don't have this situation again with the season "over" before it is actually over. Now, all my friends are about to fall out of their chairs and this is the only time you will hear me say this: The championship points system isn't the problem, the problem is Jeff Gordon is too damn good.!_ (those symbols were to read as "Period, done, bottom line"). Believe me, I am the last person you will see cheering for Jeff, but the first one to admit he is one of the best ever. Second only to the man himself, Dale Earnhardt. Ryan Smithson, who writes for Nascar.com, said in a chat session today that "NASCAR has got to change the points system. It sucks. " and he followed that up with "A good championship battle is like the a Presidential election. Once every four years. " Now Ryan's claims fall short as do all the others I hear, for one main reason. What's the solution? I am tired of people trashing systems or current methods without having an alternative in mind. Ryan, I would love to see a follow up article with your solution. Ryan's other statement was "Well get this -- a driver can win over 95 percent of the schedule and still not be champion." I hope he was being sarcastic because that doesn't add up no matter how hard you try. OK, would I be any better than the rest if I left it at that? No. So, I will try to do my best to give my opinion on what changes I think could be done to improve the system. Here it goes: First off, there needs to be a better separation in the points for the guy who wins versus second place. How about giving 190 points for winning and second place is 170 and goes from there. This way if the winner leads the most laps also, then he gets an even 200 points with the 2 bonuses. I like round numbers. I'll talk more about the bonus points in a minute. Also, we could allow the drivers to "throw away" their 2 worst finishes of the year. However, if Gordon threw away his 2 worst, just think how much further ahead he would be. Also, how about inverting the way the points decrease. Follow me here... Right now first gets 175 and it decreases by 5 back until 6th. Then it decrease by 4 back thru 11th and then by 3 thru the rest of the field. Maybe I am crazy, but it seems to be that this actually penalizes you for finishing closer to the leader. Granted 5th place is a lot more than 23rd, but why not break down by 2 points from 1st thru 10th, 3 points back to 20th and 4 after that? Now, would that help or would that make it worse? Bonus points: A driver gets 5 bonus points for leading a lap and the driver who leads the most laps gets 5 additional points. This system is ok, but how many times have we seen drivers not pit and stay out to get those 5 bonus points? It kind of undermines the system in my opinion. Why not make the rule that you get the 5 points if you lead a minimum of 5 laps or only if you take the lead and not inherit it under green flag pit stops. This would cause chaos if someone inherited the lead late in the race and went on to win, but it would keep guys who never "legitimately" led the race from getting bonus points aimed at rewarding the guys running up front. How about bonus points for qualifying? 5 for first, 3 for second, and 1 for third. 5 more bonus points if you start on the pole and win the race. That shows dominance and must be worth something. Anyhow, I welcome replies, responses and arguments, but please don't criticize me and tell me how stupid I am unless you have a better system THOUGHTFULLY laid out. I would like to do a follow up on this in a couple weeks with your responses. Here's a suggestion: Leave the system alone, it works. Let me know how you guys and girls feel. Thanks, Rob |