NASCAR wanted to put a premium on winning when it went to this knockout-style Chase for the Sprint Cup two years ago. And the competitive juices have flowed because of it.
At Texas Motor Speedway, though, that has led to Chase drivers being overly aggressive and seeing their days end before the checkered flag drops. That's why a non-Chase driver the past two seasons _ Jimmie Johnson in each case _ had the opportunity to play "spoiler."
Johnson, who has already secured a spot in this year's championship, was out of contention in 2014 and 2015, and won each Chase race at Texas. Had a Chase driver won those races they would have punched their ticket to the championship round at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Does it hurt having a spoiler win the race? Texas is the only track where a Chase driver has failed win a race during this format.
"No," TMS president Eddie Gossage said. "I think it's a great thing. Anytime you can make things more difficult in sports, it makes it more enticing to watch. Whoever the fastest man or woman is on Sunday, bring them on to Victory Lane.
"All I'm interested in is us having a great race."
Johnson agreed, saying there are at least 15 to 20 drivers every race who have a chance to win. And, Johnson said, he's gone home happy to win at Texas the past two falls, but was also kicking himself for not staying alive in the Chase to make that win even more special.
"It's just part of it," Johnson said.
Johnson then joked that he'd prefer the old Chase format, saying: "Man, I won six (championships) with the other one. I want the other one back. ... But there's no doubt this is exciting."
There should be no complaints when an all-time great such as Johnson wins. Or if a retiring legend such as Tony Stewart has his best race to take one more checkered flag this year.
Stewart would be a sentimental favorite, but he's not a realistic threat to win Sunday. Stewart has finished outside the top 10 in his last three races at Texas, and has only one top 10 run so far in the Chase races.
Here are three spoilers to watch at Sunday's AAA Texas 500:
