Changes announced to points system and Chase

Ten points awarded per victory; two drivers added to playoff format

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Race victories will become more important than ever in 2007 as a result of adjustments to the points system and the Chase for the Nextel Cup format announced Monday by NASCAR.

Inside the Changes 2006 Pre-Chase Standings Pos. Driver Points 1. M. Kenseth 5,050 2. J. Johnson 5,045 3. K. Harvick 5,040 4. Ky. Busch 5,035 5. D. Hamlin 5,030 6. D. Earnhardt Jr. 5,025 7. M. Martin 5,020 8. J. Burton 5,015 9. J. Gordon 5,010 10. K. Kahne 5,005 11. T. Stewart -- 12. G. Biffle -- 2006 Pre-Chase "Seeded" Standings Pos. Driver Pts. Wins Adj. 1. Kahne 5,000 5 5,050 2. Kenseth 5,000 4 5,040 3. Johnson 5,000 4 5,040 4. Harvick 5,000 3 5,030 5. Stewart 5,000 2 5,020 6. Gordon 5,000 2 5,020 7. Hamlin 5,000 2 5,020 8. Busch 5,000 1 5,010 9. Dale Jr. 5,000 1 5,010 10. Biffle 5,000 1 5,010 11. Martin 5,000 0 5,000 12. Burton 5,000 0 5,000 CHASE ADJUSTMENTS • 400-point cutoff eliminated • Top-12 drivers qualify • Point totals adjusted to 5,000 • Drivers "seeded" by wins • 10-point bonus for each win

The adjustments are designed to establish more balance between winning and consistency, but there is a new emphasis on the former.

"The adjustments taken [Monday] put a greater emphasis on winning races," NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France said. "Winning is what this sport is all about. Nobody likes to see drivers content to finish in the top 10. We want our sport -- especially during the Chase -- to be more about winning."

The Chase -- consisting of the season's last 10 races -- will further reflect the importance of racing to win, via a variety of adjustments.

During the format's first three years, the top-10 drivers in points after the 26th race of the season (at Richmond International Raceway) qualified for the Chase; in addition, any other driver outside the top 10 but within 400 points of the standings' leader was also eligible.

Starting this season, the 400-point cutoff is eliminated and the top-12 drivers in the points after Race 26 will qualify for the Chase.

All 12 drivers will have their point totals re-set to 5,000; each will then receive a 10-point bonus for each race victory they had during the first 26 races.

The Chase drivers will be "seeded" to start the Chase based on the number of wins amassed during the regular season.

In line with the Chase adjustments, wins throughout the season will be more valuable.

Race winners throughout the 36-race season will now receive 185 points, a five-point increase.

Counting the five-point bonuses available for leading at least one lap and leading the most laps, a race winner now can earn a maximum of 195 points, creating a possible maximum of 25 points between first- and second-place finishers.

The 2006 season of Kasey Kahne provides a dramatic illustration of the adjusted Chase format's implications.

Kahne qualified for last year's Chase, but started it in 10th place -- despite having won a series-high five races. Under the new format, Kahne would begin the Chase in first place, with 5,050 points.