Don’t be surprised if NASCAR announces in January that the Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series champions will be determined by a Chase format similar to what is used in the Sprint Cup Series.
It’s about time.
Both the Xfinity and Trucks have determined their champions by seasonlong points standings. There have been some close points races in that format but not every year as a Chase format would provide.
It makes no sense for NASCAR to have its Sprint Cup champion determined one way and its champions in its next two highest-profile series another way.
Frankly, a Chase for the Xfinity and Truck series would create the drama NASCAR Chairman Brian France seeks.
Gimmicky? Absolutely, but so are all forms of playoffs, so don’t give me that argument.
And don’t tell me that because NASCAR isn’t like other sports it should have its own way of determining a champion. NASCAR competes against other sports - NFL, college football, college basketball, NBA, NHL, etc. - and other forms of entertainment for attention. If there is less drama, there’s less chance casual fans will pay attention.
Should the sport be made for the casual fan? No way, but the sport also shouldn’t be made just for the longtime fan. Any sport that caters solely to its longtime fans will die when it does so.