NASCAR Preview: 2007 Season Changes

For 2007, NASCAR is instituting several new changes. Each one in intended to increase competition, interest in the sport, safety, and one will even be better for the environment. These changes include a change to the points awarded, change to the Chase for the Cup, the Car of Tomorrow, and switching to unleaded fuel. Let's look at each of these.

For years, NASCAR has been accused of not rewarding winning. It has been said that consistency is important, but that has put winning on the back burner. Toward the latter part of a season, there have always been drivers willing to run "good enough" to finish well, but not push themselves and their equipment to win. Two years ago, NASCAR added 5 additional points to the winners total. That meant that the winner would get at least 10 points more than second place, unless second place led the most laps. This year they are adding another 5 points to the winners total. But, one has to wonder if that five points will really be incentive enough for someone to push for that extra spot? They have one more incentive, but that's part of the next change.

Secondly, they are making changes to the Chase for the Cup. Since it was instituted three years ago, the qualification rules for this playoff-type system has been the top ten in points after 26 races or any within 400 points of the leader. I'm sure NASCAR thought there would be many years with anywhere between 10 and 15 drivers. Each year, though, tenth place hasn't even been within 400 points. So, to make things more interesting, this year it is a solid 12 drivers, no matter about the points.

Also, in past Chases, after the 26th race, the points of those qualifying has been reset to have just 5 points between them. This narrowed the field and made the race close to the end. It has worked mostly for its intended purposes, though generally places 8-10 don't stay too close. This year the reset will be different. All 12 drivers will rest to 5000 points. They will then be awarded an additional 5 points for each win they have on the season. Therefore, having more wins could actually move someone from 12th to 1st. Here's that added incentive for winning.

Third, the Car of Tomorrow (COT). This is a radical redesign in what the cars look like. Front bumpers will have a recess at the bottom for more downforce. The rear spoiler is replaced with a rear wing. Rear bumpers are raised to meet from bumpers to reduce a car being lifted on contact. The roofline is higher to allow more room inside for the drivers. Fuel cells will hold less gas, so the cars are on pit road more often for tires and to bring back the "team" aspect of racing. All these changes were made with competition and safety in mind.

Many drivers have complained about the new car, but I suspect as they get more time behind the wheel and realize this car is here to stay, they'll do what they have to do to get used to it and make it work. Kurt Busch is not one of those drivers, though, as he turned the fastest time during Preseason Thunder in a COT at Daytona in January. If this car does what its promised to do, it will bring the cars back into real competition and should make the racing more exciting. To be sure, there may be a few surprise winners this year as they phase it in.

Finally, NASCAR is switching to unleaded fuel beginning at California, the week after Daytona. This is a switch that has been anticipated for a few years now. Last year, the switch was made in the Truck and Busch series. The cars showed none of the expected problems, so NASCAR has bumped up the timetable to this year from next year. There will certainly be a few blown motors because of this, but again, its something engine builders will learn to make adjustments for.

Are these changes good for NASCAR? Well, they can't hurt. NASCAR's TV ratings and attendance have stabilized over the last few years. Surely, there are other sports that would like to have these same ratings, but NASCAR expects more. Only time will tell if these changes deliver all the excitement and fun promised.