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.