For 2009, NASCAR Chase points system lessens the drama

IRONY: an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.

After Matt Kenseth whooped the field in 2003, the NASCAR 'Chase' points/playoff system was created to make sure the Miami finale was a nailbiter. For 2009, it will actually lessen the drama.

Under the new/current system, Jimmie Johnson is heading to Miami with a 108-point lead over Mark Martin, needing only to crack the top 25 to take his fourth-consecutive Cup title. Stranger things have happened, but Johnson is pretty much a lock.

If they were still racing under the 'old' points system, the story would be much more interesting. Left alone, Johnson would be entering the final race just 13 points ahead of Tony Stewart - who was the unofficial 'regular season' champion. Jeff Gordon would be third, 56 markers back of JJ, while Martin would sit fourth, a whopping 361 points in arrears.

For next year, wouldn't it be the ultimate NASCARian move for them to keep both systems in play... and let fans vote, just prior to the green flag at Miami, which (new or old) will determine the champion?

Mark Martin named NASCAR Illustrated's 2009 Person of the Year

Mark Martin is the NASCAR Illustrated Person of the Year presented by Old Spice for 2009. Martin will officially accept the award in a pre-race ceremony at the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2009.

NASCAR Illustrated chose to honor the 50-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver because of his exceptional talent and extraordinary class. His return to a full schedule in 2009 underscored his ability and gave fans another chance to appreciate his humility and graciousness.

This is the third time Martin has received a Person of Year honor – but only the first that he has been the sole honoree. He joins a list of previous recipients that includes Jeff Burton, Kyle Petty, Tony Stewart and Rusty Wallace.

(h/t Bob Barron)