NASCAR's new format has old emphasis, on showing up

NASCAR had a good 2010. The Chase was thrilling, the racing was interesting and the feuds were fun. Even if the fellows threw water bottles instead of punches, the passion was gratifying.

But perception lags reality. NASCAR failed to win back old fans and it failed to hang on to new ones. Attendance, which had been sinking, sunk. Apologists cited the economy. But television ratings also bottomed out. How much money does it cost to turn on the TV?

NASCAR had an opportunity last week to compel people to notice. But they would have had to tear up the format they use to determine their champion. They chose not to. Although stock car racing is loaded with hard-charging drivers who can make their cars do almost anything, NASCAR officials chose to again reward consistency.

They don’t offer enough incentive to win, or even to place. The idea is to show. Show up every week, be patient, avoid wrecks, and if you want to finish first, that’s fine, too.

The late and legendary David Poole, who covered racing for the Observer and ThatsRacin.com, came up with his own points system in 2005. He even offered it to NASCAR. David was always generous with unsolicited advice.

Although NASCAR declined, the Poole Rule makes even more sense now than it did six years ago.

David advocated a 500-point bonus for a driver’s first victory of the season. Not a 500-point bonus for every victory, merely the first.

Five hundred points is to a driver what a straight flush is to a player of slot machines. The straight-flush payout won’t ensure that you’ll go home a winner. But it sure puts you in position to.

Can you imagine the end of a race with 500 points dangling above the start-finish line?

You imagine the frenzy as the Chase approaches? A 500-point swing is going to get somebody into the Chase and knock somebody out. Under those circumstances, most drivers will do almost anything to finish first. Others will do almost anything to stop them.

Richmond International Raceway hosts the last race before the Chase. To get a seat, you’d have to buy your ticket now.

And what if NASCAR also awarded the same 500-point bonus for a driver’s first Chase victory, as Poole also suggested? How hard would those 12 drivers fight for a victory then, knowing a championship was impossible without it?

Some fans believe modern drivers do not crave victories as badly as their old-school counterparts did.

Hey, Junior Johnson, you racing for points today? Is fourth place OK? Or are you trying to win?

You don’t like my questions? I should do what? But Junior, I think that would be physically impossible.

Beneath the gelled hair and the smooth sponsor talk, today’s drivers also crave victories. The talent they have, the hours they put in and the risks they take assure it.

But why should they charge hard and risk a wreck or a blown engine when they can compete for a championship, and make millions of dollars, by going for a Sunday drive?

The opportunity to end the attendance and TV rating free fall was right there. But NASCAR chose, again, to put a premium on consistency.

At least NASCAR is consistent.

Tom Sorensen: (704) 358-5119; tsorensen@charlotteobserver.com

More racing news, blogs, photos and more at www.ThatsRacin.com.