The race for being the first car a lap down adds some intrigue to the race at times and not racing back to the flag is safer. And I can't disagree with you more about the Chase. I remember those years when there was little question as to who would win the Cup. Unless you were a fan of the eventual champion, the last 5 races were a bore if you hadn't already quit watching Nascar for the season. Now, you have elimination races, win and advance playoff races, and the title race. So many more signature moments compared to the past. Logano/Kenseth, Elliott/Hamlin, Gordon at Martinsville, Johnson winning his 7th- all those moments were created by the Chase. And is there any league other than the Premier League Soccer that doesn't crown their champion with a tournament-style playoffs? It doesn't matter to me that Nascar has lost fans, it is a much better sport than it was 20 years ago.