For 2009, NASCAR Chase points system lessens the drama

IRONY: an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.

After Matt Kenseth whooped the field in 2003, the NASCAR 'Chase' points/playoff system was created to make sure the Miami finale was a nailbiter. For 2009, it will actually lessen the drama.

Under the new/current system, Jimmie Johnson is heading to Miami with a 108-point lead over Mark Martin, needing only to crack the top 25 to take his fourth-consecutive Cup title. Stranger things have happened, but Johnson is pretty much a lock.

If they were still racing under the 'old' points system, the story would be much more interesting. Left alone, Johnson would be entering the final race just 13 points ahead of Tony Stewart - who was the unofficial 'regular season' champion. Jeff Gordon would be third, 56 markers back of JJ, while Martin would sit fourth, a whopping 361 points in arrears.

For next year, wouldn't it be the ultimate NASCARian move for them to keep both systems in play... and let fans vote, just prior to the green flag at Miami, which (new or old) will determine the champion?

Joe Gibbs Racing to be punished

Penalties are expected to be handed down to the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (driven by Tony Stewart) and the No. 20 (driven by Joey Logano) NASCAR Nationwide cars after being caught attempting to alter their dyno results with 1/4 inch thick magnets under their gas petals.

Toyota has won 15 of 25 races this year in the Nationwide series, 14 of which have been Camry's for Joe Gibbs Racing. This resulted in NASCAR mandating Toyota Nationwide teams to use a smaller spacer to cut about 15 horsepower in their motors.

"The intention was to manipulate the numbers that we get when we get our information and data off the dyno," NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said.

The magnets prevented the throttle from going 100 percent wide open.

"Let me just say that, first and foremost, that that was a really poor, foolish decision on the part of our key guys there at JGR," Gibbs said. "I want to apologize to NASCAR, to our partners, to Toyota guys. A couple guys chose to make a decision there that really impacts all of us."

NASCAR officials are to meet Monday or Tuesday to decide on possible penalties.

More can be found here: http://tsn.ca/auto_racing/story/?id=246681&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_auto_racing