By Tim Leeming

Well, folks, after THREE of the TEN special season races affectionately called “The Chase”, what do you think? Do you think NASCAR is getting what they want out of The Chase and the revamped points awarding system? Let’s just examine a couple things here, or well, I never could really count so it may be more than a “couple” but what the heck.

First up, I would have to say that having Tony Stewart win the first two Chase races when he hadn’t won all year certainly peaked some interest from Tony Stewart fans AND all Jimmie Johnson naysayers and detractors. The very fact that someone showed such early dominance in The Chase gave hope to those who do not want to see Jimmie and Chad win six in a row and that is a good thing.

Secondly, Kurt Busch winning the third race after fighting off his “arch enemy” as one sports reporter opined, sort of perked up more ears. The fact that Kurt drives a Dodge which means something to the Mopar fans, and driving for Roger Penske which means a lot to fans of most racing series, is just another reason NASCAR has to be enjoying the press it’s getting from it’s Chase format this year.