August 16, 2006

By Rebecca Gladden

Rebecca Gladden

If NASCAR ever compiled a list of the most detested phrases among race fans, the term "points racing" would definitely be near the top of the list.

Points racing, or "big picture" racing as it is sometimes known, refers to the practice of driving conservatively and avoiding risks in order to accumulate points towards the ultimate goal of making the Chase and having a shot at the title.

Most fans consider points racing the very antithesis of 'real' racing, in which a driver has one goal in mind - winning the race.

As Darrell Waltrip recently pointed out, "If you're trying to get into the Chase, there's not enough of an incentive to go out and take a chance on winning a race."

Car owners and crew chiefs are frequently heard reining in their sometimes impulsive drivers by admonishing them to "remember the big picture."

In other words, temper your emotions. Don't take chances. Better to bring home a safe top-10 or top-15 than to drive too aggressively and end up wrecked.

Now, with just four races left to determine who will make the 2006 Chase for the Championship, the points picture remains unsettled, but the fact that drivers are points racing is perfectly clear - and understandably so.

The contrast between racing for the win and racing for points was particularly apparent in the closing laps of Saturday's Busch race. Cup regulars Robby Gordon and Kurt Busch put on a spectacular demonstration of hardnosed racing on the Watkins Glen road course, as each defiantly held his line against the other.

Busch, the eventual victor, compared the finish to his famous 2003 battle with Ricky Craven at Darlington which was described at the time as a "stunning, side-by-side, banging and grinding battle to the checkers."

Many critics rank that finish as one of the most thrilling in NASCAR history. But Busch was quick to point out that he would not have been able to race Gordon that way in a Cup event.

"Man it was unreal," said a breathless Busch in Victory Lane. "To have a green-white-checker and Robby Gordon on your rear end. You knew he was gonna go straight through the bus stop and you know, he's the one that started the rough driving. But all and all it was fun. We bounced off each other a few times, and that's what we can do in the Busch series when you're not running for points."

Road racing expert Scott Pruett, subbing for David Stremme in the 40 car in Sunday's Cup race, echoed Busch's sentiments regarding his racing tactics. "We did what we had to do," Pruett explained. "We were pretty conservative all day long. We were all about getting points."

Of course, Pruett's mission and that of the other road course aces is different than the Cup regulars. But for both sets of drivers, accumulating points remains the main goal. If you doubt this, pay attention to the pre-race Cup driver interviews between now and the season's 26th race at Richmond. Most competitors will identify goals like staying out of trouble, not making mistakes, and having a good points finish. Few drivers, if any, will actually mention winning the race.

NASCAR CEO Brian France has indicated that there are changes coming to the Chase format in 2007. Many speculate that this might include awarding more points for winning a race.

If that happens, fans may be treated to a little less big picture racing and more heart-stopping finishes like the one Busch and Gordon delivered on Saturday.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.