OPINION: NASCAR’s Chase Format Creates Pressure, Drama

Posted on Author WKVI
A general view during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 11, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
A general view during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 11, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

It wasn’t until Saturday night’s Bank of America 500 that I realized how much this new Chase format may be getting to some drivers and teams.

The tempers boiled between Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski and Matt Kenseth after Kevin Harvick won the race and moved onto the eliminator round of the Chase.

With 63 laps to go on a restart lap, Matt Kenseth had a big run and Keselowski snuck up in front of him which caused Kenseth to smack into the wall. That incident caused Kenseth to drop from fourth to 18th and deeper in the field.

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Hamlin Gets First Win of the Season

Posted on Author WKVI
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 4, 2014 in Talladega, Alabama. Photo by Getty Images
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 4, 2014 in Talladega, Alabama. Photo by Getty Images

At Talladega Superspeedway, anything can happen. Tell that to Denny Hamlin as he won the Aaron’s 499 on Sunday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway. Hamlin won as a caution came out on the last lap for debris. A large piece of debris was found on the front stretch and NASCAR officials took their time and threw the caution flag on the last lap of the race. Once that happens, the field is frozen. Hamlin was able to secure the win.

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