For the 2004 season, NASCAR implemented its first ever playoff system, the “Chase for the Cup.” After the first 26 races of the season, the top 12 drivers in the points standings, plus any drivers who are within 400 points of the leader, qualify for the Chase for the Championship, a 10-race playoff that determines the Sprint Cup Champion. Those drivers that do not make the Chase continue to race in the final 10 races, though they are no longer eligible for the championship.

Those who qualify for the Chase essentially have their points erased, and then are spaced out in based on how many wins they accumulatted over the seasons first 26 races, with a 10 point bonus for each victory.

This playoff system was seen as a way to maintain fan interest in the fall as football season began. Many credit Matt Kenseth’s 2003 championship season with finally giving NASCAR the push to create the system. That year, Kenseth scored just one win, but was consistent and began walking away with the championship by mid-season.

See also:

• The Sprint Cup
  
• The Sprint Cup Drivers
• The Nationwide Series
• The Camping World Truck Series