There are two things sports fans want from a championship game — a deserving champion, and a compelling contest.
NASCAR understood this. That’s why it overhauled its championship Chase two years ago.
NASCAR wanted more emphasis on winning, and for winning drivers and teams to be heavily rewarded. It wanted more drama and intensity and a true playoff atmosphere, which it created with its elimination format. And it wanted a true championship race, or a Game 7 moment.
It has gotten all that and more in the first two seasons under the new four-round system. With 13 different race winners this year, the 2016 Chase figures to be just as exciting.