Chase to the Last Race

This coming weekend marks the final race of the NASCAR season with the running of the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This weekend will also mark the conclusion of the closest Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship since its inception in 2004. With only3 points separating points leader Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart, means that the race this weekend will be full of drama and excitement. The possibilities are endless for the way this Championship could play out.

Unfortunately, one of the scenarios, which is possible based on the last few races results, is a tie. If Tony Stewart wins, does not lead the most laps and Carl Edwards leads a lap, but not the most laps; then, we will have ourselves a tie. And based on the tie-breaker system, Tony Stewart would win the title based on having more victories this season. This would take the most exciting Chase thus far and turn it into the most anti-climactic Chase thus far. In my opinion a tie would be disastrous for the sport that is trying to gain back ticket buyers and viewers heading into next season. NASCAR needs a clear cut champion this season.

With 5-time reigning champion, Jimmie Johnson, out of the picture NASCAR has the perfect opportunity to make the sport interesting again. However, a tie in the points standings could spell disaster for a sport struggling to sell tickets and get television viewers to tune in. The biggest complaint that I have heard over the past 5 years has been that it is boring to watch Jimmie Johnson dominate and no one else have a shot to unseat "Ol' Five Time" from the NASCAR throne. So, we have all been hopeful that the excitement of this most recent championship chase would be a changing of the guard and bring fans back. Unfortunately, the disappointment that would result from a tie this weekend would damage NASCAR's image more so than the last half-decade of domination by Jimmie Johnson/Chad Knaus duo.

My only hope for NASCAR this weekend is that Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards ride side by side and fight hard against each other lap after lap, only to see one of the two drivers beat the other straight up and win the championship without the need for tie-breakers. So, here's to Tony Stewart scoring at least four more points than Edwards, or Carl Edwards finishing ahead of Stewart!

By the way....I'M BACK!!!