France: No big changes for Chase For The Sprint Cup
AVONDALE, Ariz. - NASCAR Chairman Brian France said he doesn't anticipate any big tweaks for the Chase For The Nextel Cup format for next season as a pair of Hendrick Motorsports drivers have broken away from the 12-driver pack compete for the title.
France, speaking after being a panelist Friday at a business summit at Phoenix International Raceway, said he was happy with the format, which seeded drivers for the Chase based on wins and also added five more points for a win week to week.
He was especially pleased with Jimmie Johnson going for the win last week at Texas, where he earned five more points than he would have a year ago.
"It's worked," France said when asked about the bonus points. "We may do a little more of it. What Jimmie Johnson did - I actually called him on the phone and told him, by going after that win - because he knew how close it was - he knew those bonus points may be necessary to win it all.
"In the old days, a couple years ago, somebody might have settled for second. He took a lot of chances. I hope it was because the rewards were such that it counts."
Still, France wouldn't mind if there was another organization besides Hendrick involved in the championship hunt.
"Our preference is to see as many non-team members compete, but that's the nature of teams that have multiple talented, good drivers," France said. "There's nothing you can do about it. ... All things being equal, we'd like to see 12 different drivers from 12 different teams, sure, but that's not how it always works."
France seemed unworried about TV ratings, which are down this season.
"Television ratings for almost everything are down - prime time, daytime, sports, whatever else," France said. "We're probably a victim of that to some level. You have to remember we're still posting big audiences, and our TV partners are very satisfied.
"We'd love to be growing at better rates, but we're not contracting at all. We're pretty satisfied that story lines in the future and things go on that we'll be fine."
As far as New Hampshire and the recent purchase by Speedway Motorsports, France said it does make some realignment opportunities possible for SMI owner Bruton Smith and President H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler.
"Two events that are working as well as those two events were, you'd like to think they would work bests there vs. taking one somewhere else," France said. "But Bruton and Humpy and those guys have to get in there and determine some of that on their own."
