Changes in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series for the 2007 Season

Apparently, NASCAR was busy during the off season. With the changes in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, Toyota's arrival, introducing the Car of Tomorrow, changes in television networks, and the drive to diversity it was clear that it wasn't all mai-tai's and sunsets for CEO Brian France. After a disappointing 2006 season in ratings, NASCAR is back and better and louder than ever. Now that the Daytona race is over, racing is in full swing and there are many changes that fans need to be aware of.

Even the most loyal of racing fans couldn't keep up with all of the changes NASCAR is currently undergoing. In my opinion, the area where NASCAR made the greatest improvements is on the Chase for the championship. This season, NASCAR has put more emphasis on finishing first. In the past few years, the Chase format hasn't rewarded those drivers that won the most races through the year. I wonder what Kasey Kahne has to say about it since he was the one leading before the Chase cut-off last year? The first point that NASCAR wants to make this year is that wins will be more important. The driver who finishes first will receive 185 points instead of 180 in the prior years. The other changes involve the actual Chase. Instead of ten drivers qualifying for the Chase, NASCAR has improved this to twelve, meaning more competition and more drama.

Another area where NASCAR made additions is in the automaker category. This year will mark the first year that Toyota makes an appearance in the Nextel Cup Series, and they're expected to have a handful of Camrys in the field throughout the season. Seven will race, to be exact, and two of those include former Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip and former champion Dale Jarrett. This decision to add Toyota to the lineup came with mixed reviews, including my own.

The inclusion of a foreign maker in a red blooded American auto racing sport that spawned from illegally running moonshine between states appears to be ridiculous. NASCAR is quickly shedding themselves of the Southern image that kept the sport alive for so long and is instead deciding to capitalize on a much bigger market. Time will only tell whether or not Toyota will survive the American made domination of the sport. Something tells me the decision was based on the almighty dollar bill and not the tradition of the sport.

As if the addition of Toyota didn't throw fans through a loop, NASCAR will unveil the Car of Tomorrow in March at Bristol Motor Speedway. This futuristic vehicle has been, for the most part, tested under secrecy and will be gradually phased into the Nextel Cup Series. It seems odd to me that they would introduce a new car in the middle of the season amongst a heated points battle, but Brian France feels that by gradually phasing the COT in is much smarter than starting fresh one season. The Car of Tomorrow is intended to improve racing and cut costs in the manufacturing department. What it comes down to is which team can make the adjustment to the new vehicle the quickest. The car will compete in sixteen races this season and it will be interesting to see who has the best feel for that car.

Like every season, there will be familiar faces, as well as some that the casual racing fan may not recognize. One of those faces is Juan Pablo Montoya, a former Formula One and Indianapolis 500 winner who made the switch to NASCAR late last season. Montoya is a native of Colombia and he is currently the only non-white drive in the series. However, NASCAR is intent on diversifying the sport and is currently recruiting drivers and crew members of all races and colors. Expectations of Montoya are fairly high, although I think it's going to be a difficult adjustment from open wheel to the stock car format.

If you're flipping the channels on your television and you're having a hard time locating the race then don't be surprised. NASCAR is returning to ESPN where the station once served as home to the racing sport before Fox and NBC came into the picture. As an avid ESPN addict, I can tell you that ESPN is promoting the sport heavily through its Sportscenter broadcast, as well as the new NASCAR Now program devoted to all things NASCAR.

Wow. Let me catch my breath. You can clearly see that changes are in store for NASCAR this season. While most are excited about this season, I view it as more of a transition and testing season. Regardless of what you want to call it, the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup will be filled with lots of drama and action. Just don't forget that it's now on ESPN!