Looking at NASCAR’s top twelve drivers in the standings shows a fundamental flaw in the race for the Chase.  Sure, there are some nice names in the pack.  Gordon, Stewart, Edwards, Kenseth.  But, only five drivers have wins.  Five. 

Being able to win a race should be the first prerequisite for getting into the Chase.  As it stands now, the Chase is made up of the following.

1. Kevin Harvick (2 wins)
2. Jeff Gordon (0 wins)
3. Denny Hamlin (5 wins)
4. Jimmie Johnson (5 wins)
5. Kurt Busch (2 wins)
6. Kyle Busch (2 wins)
7. Jeff Burton (0 wins)
8. Matt Kenseth (0 wins)
9. Tony Stewart (0 wins)
10. Carl Edwards (0 wins)
11. Greg Biffle (0 wins)
12. Clint Bowyer 0 wins)

There are three drivers with wins that are on the outside of the Chase, including Daytona 500/Brickyard 400 winner Jamie McMurray.  Here’s my thought.  Do what you want with the points.  Right now it rewards consistent racing, whether a car ends up in the winner’s circle or not.  How else could Jeff Gordon be second without a single win this season?

But, make the standings revolve around wins first.  Win and you’re in.  If 12 don’t win, then start filling in with the non-winners.  So, the standings would look something like this.

1. Harvick
2. Hamlin
3. Johnson
4. Ku. Busch
5. Ky. Busch
6. Ryan Newman (1 win)
7. Jamie McMurray (2 wins)
8. David Reutimann (1 win)
9. Gordon
10. Burton
11. Kenseth
12. Stewart

Not only does this reward the winners, it adds gobs of drama as we near the race-in for the Cup. 

Can you imagine a winless Tony Stewart in the 12th spot and Dale, Jr. going for a win at Richmond, the last race before the Chase?  The only way Junior gets in is with a win.  He and every non-winner in the field has a chance to make it with that race.  And, doing so could prevent a non-winner from making it.  Drama.