A New Idea for NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup

Over the past few years NASCAR has been putting forth a strong effort to be more like other sports. NASCAR is trying to be much like the NFL, MLB, and NHL with their playoff system.

The problem is that their system is still flawed and isn't as exciting as it could be.

In the Chase guys fight for top 10 finishes, but not all of them feel compelled to give it their all at the beginning. I say that the Chase should be given more excitement. Give the Chase the same excitement in the first weeks as it has in the last weeks.

There are two ways to do this:

1. Give everyone in the Chase a different points system than used with the other drivers outside of the Chase. Make it more difficult for a driver to not have at least a chance at the final race at Homestead.

The new scoring system could be something along the lines of scoring the highest finisher 12 points, with a one-point bonus for leading a lap or leading the most laps. The next driver gets 11 points, then the next gets 10, and so on. Maybe if this system were in place it would be less damaging to the drivers that have bad weeks and keep more than two guys fighting for the championship at Homestead.

2. Eliminate the last place driver from the Chase every week. NASCAR's No. 1 competitor, the NFL, gives teams one chance to advance. This keeps drivers fighting to stay alive in the chase and keeps them from playing possum at tracks such like Talladega or Martinsville. It makes the first race interesting, because whoever is worst among chasers is eliminated.

These ideas have their flaws as well, but there has to be something better out there than what we have now. The Chase seems to ignore the regular season consistency leader, who may be leading due to top 10 finishes, not wins. Give bonus points for the leader in points or who has the most consistency.

Do something NASCAR! The Chase is losing its excitement.

I know a lot of people have opinions on this issue, so feel free to discuss them.