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The New NASCAR Chase Qualification Format is Working

Clint Bowyer is among those looking to get into NASCAR's 16-car playoff at Richmond. ( Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Earlier this year NASCAR created a blizzard of discussion ranging from ecstasy to despondency (which is one of NASCAR's core talents) by announcing a new playoff qualifying system.

With one race to go before the playoff (aka Chase for the Championship), NASCAR has to be pleased with how the new system is working.

First, you gotta separate analysis of the new win-and-your-in, 16-driver grid playoff system with analysis of if NASCAR should have a playoff at all. Two separate issues. Given the fact that NASCAR does have a 10-race playoff, I’ve found this current qualifying system rather compelling.

NASCAR at Atlanta – Kyle Brain Lock Sets Up A-Main

Kasey Kahne wins at Atlanta. (Credit: 301051Todd Warshaw/NASCAR via Getty Images)

NASCAR at Atlanta rapid reaction ...

The race was officially the “Oral-B USA 500,” and Oral-B toothbrushes and stuff are made in … Iowa City, Iowa. WHAMMY. Shout out to my in-state oral health posse.

Kyle, Kyle, Kyle ... oh KYLE. So, imagine our chagrin, couple laps to go in what seemed like a five-hour race, when Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. “had contact.” Let’s go to the replay. Looks to me that Kyle just got to the back bumper of Marty and turned him on purpose.