By Jerry Jordan, Editor
Upon reading a comment by NASCAR Chief Operating Officer, Steve O’Donnell, stating the sanctioning body is considering options to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ways that could improve the racing experience for fans; and specifically how the champion is crowned in the NASCAR Cup Series, I wondered what AI actually viewed as improvements and if the analysis was anything different than what was already available through public opinion and observation.
The same questions were posed to ChatGPT and Grok, the two leading AI platforms online and the answers, unsurprisingly, were quite similar. That is probably because, by its own admission, AI adds nothing new to a scenario. According to ChatGPT, AI doesn’t create a new idea or have original thoughts like humans, it takes existing information (sometimes outdated), reanalyzes it and presents it in a new format.
ChatGPT Analysis:
Question 1: Given all analysis of all former and current playoff systems in the NASCAR Cup Series, what would be the most exciting scenario to crown a champion?
ChatGPT said:
The most exciting scenario to crown a champion in the NASCAR Cup Series, considering the analysis of all former and current playoff systems, would blend elements of unpredictability, drama, and high-stakes competition, all of which are key to creating an electrifying finale. Drawing on the elements from past systems and introducing a few enhancements, an exciting playoff structure could look like this:
1. Expanded Field with a Multi-Round Format
A larger playoff field (e.g., 16 drivers instead of 12) would increase the drama, as more drivers would have a shot at the championship in the final stretch. The expanded field could be divided into three rounds with elimination, similar to the current system, but with a few twists:
- Round 1: The first round consists of 4 races, where the bottom 4 drivers are eliminated based on points.
- Round 2: Another 4 races, with the bottom 4 being eliminated again. This stage serves to whittle down the field further, adding more excitement as more drivers are in danger of being eliminated.
- Round 3: The final 4 drivers advance, culminating in a single-race championship event.
This format, while somewhat similar to the current playoff format, would increase the stakes earlier on, as fans would feel the pressure on more teams, and drivers would have to perform consistently over multiple rounds.
2. Resetting Points but Keeping a Narrative
Rather than resetting points entirely before the final race, the final round could keep points accrued during the season but add additional bonus points for each race win during the playoffs. This would provide a more balanced outcome, where drivers who have shown consistency throughout the season are rewarded but still allow for playoff upsets.
- Bonus Points: Each race win in the playoffs gives a driver bonus points (e.g., 10 points per win). This would ensure that drivers who perform well in the playoffs could still make up for any mistakes earlier in the season.
- Drama through the “Elimination” Stages: The playoff elimination stages would give fans a sense of urgency and unpredictability, as each round narrows the field dramatically.
3. High-Stakes Final Race
For the ultimate finale, the last race should be a “winner-takes-all” showdown, but with a twist: Only the top 4 drivers in the final stage would have a chance at winning the championship, and they would enter the final race with a points deficit based on their performance in the previous playoff races.
- Points Deficit for the Final Race: For example, each playoff win could count as a 5-10 point advantage in the final race, meaning that drivers who perform well earlier in the playoffs aren’t just relying on a single race to win the championship.
- This strategy keeps fans on edge throughout the last race, as any driver in the top 4 could win the championship, but they’d have to fight for every position.
- Diverse Track Selection: To make the final race truly thrilling, the track could rotate every season between a short track (where chaos is more likely), a superspeedway (where pack racing and surprise crashes can occur), and a road course (which tests strategy and precision). This would add variety and keep the championship finale from becoming predictable.
4. Wildcard Element
The final race could have a “wildcard” rule where drivers who didn’t make the final four could have a chance to influence the championship outcome. This could be through a series of “outside influence” points that would be awarded for leading the most laps, most aggressive driving, or achieving something exceptional during the race. This would introduce an unpredictable element where drivers who are out of the championship hunt still have a role to play, adding layers of tension and excitement for fans.
5. On-Track Drama and Rivalries
The final race should highlight existing rivalries and create opportunities for dramatic moments. A combination of close racing, late-race drama, and a true “last-lap shootout” would elevate the intensity.
- Team Strategy: Teams could employ more strategic plays (e.g., blocking, drafting, or pit stop tactics), adding an additional layer of drama.
- Role of the Fans: Fans should be invested throughout the playoffs, with a build-up of tension after each round.
6. Incorporating Multiple “Big Events”
To keep interest high, certain races in the playoff format could feature additional incentives, such as:
- Double-Points Events (e.g., the Daytona 500 or a select road course), where points are doubled, would add an extra layer of chaos and reward drivers who perform well under pressure.
Final Thoughts:
In summary, an ideal scenario to crown a NASCAR champion would combine:
- A larger playoff field (16 drivers).
- A dramatic multi-round elimination process.
- Points carried over into the final race with bonus incentives.
- A high-stakes “winner-takes-all” finale.
- A wildcard element for those outside the top 4 to influence the outcome.
- Varied race types to add unpredictability.
- A chance for rivalries to boil over with dramatic on-track moves.
This structure would provide both the unpredictability of a surprise champion and the drama of every race counting toward the ultimate goal, ensuring the most thrilling finish to the NASCAR season.
QUESTION 2: What would be the best change NASCAR could make to its current playoff system to make crowning the Cup Series Champion more exciting?
ChatGPT said:
To make crowning the NASCAR Cup Series champion more exciting, the best change to the current playoff system would be to create a points-based “championship reset” system that maintains the drama of the playoffs but gives more value to regular-season performance, while still allowing for high-stakes moments in the final race. This change would enhance excitement by balancing consistency with unpredictability and ensuring that the final race feels more like a battle between the most deserving drivers.
Key Aspects of the Change:
1. Adjusting the Points Reset:
Currently, the playoffs reset points to a level where all 16 drivers effectively start with the same chance, regardless of how dominant they were in the regular season. To increase excitement and reward consistency, the best change would be to reduce the reset and allow regular-season performance to carry more weight into the playoffs.
- How it would work: The regular-season champion and top drivers (e.g., the top 8) would enter the playoffs with an advantage, carrying over a portion of their regular-season points. For example, the top 8 drivers could have a points advantage (e.g., 50 points for 1st place, 40 for 2nd, etc.). The bottom 8 playoff drivers would start with a minimal advantage (e.g., 10-20 points).
- Impact: This change keeps the regular season relevant and acknowledges the best-performing drivers, while still maintaining the exciting elimination format. The final races would be more rewarding for drivers who have performed well all season, but still leave room for high drama in the final stretch.
2. Incorporating “Bonus Points” for Playoff Races:
In addition to rewarding drivers for regular-season performance, introducing additional bonus points for playoff victories and top finishes would raise the stakes for every race in the playoffs. For instance:
- Race Wins in Playoffs = 20 Bonus Points: A race win during the playoffs could give a driver a significant advantage, making every race crucial.
- Top-5 Finishes in Playoffs = 5-10 Bonus Points: This would reward consistent performance, not just wins, encouraging drivers to aim for top finishes every week.
- Impact: This change would incentivize both aggressive driving and consistency, ensuring that the final races are intense and that each race can dramatically alter the playoff landscape.
3. Keeping the Final Race a “Winner-Takes-All” Championship:
The current system has a playoff finale that is essentially a “winner-takes-all” race, but there’s an argument that points should be more reflective of performance throughout the entire playoffs. A slight adjustment could add excitement by giving each of the final four drivers a slight advantage based on their previous playoff performances (e.g., wins or top finishes), but still making the final race a high-pressure, all-or-nothing showdown.
- How it would work: After the final playoff race (before the championship race), the four drivers who advance to the final race would have points accumulated from their prior playoff performances. For example, a driver who has two wins and multiple top-5 finishes could enter the final race with an advantage of 25-50 points over the other three drivers.
- Impact: This adjustment makes the finale more exciting because the drivers who have shown consistent dominance throughout the playoffs have an edge, but the final race remains an equal opportunity for anyone to win the championship, allowing for high drama and possible upsets.
4. Wildcard Element or “Fan Influence” in the Final Race:
The wildcard element, where drivers outside the top four could impact the outcome, could be enhanced. For example, fans could vote for a driver to receive a “boost” (e.g., 5 extra points or a strategic advantage like starting positions) if they’re not in the top 4 but are still in the hunt for the title.
- How it would work: This could be a limited-time “boost” that gives fans a sense of involvement while allowing non-playoff drivers to potentially disrupt the championship fight. Alternatively, a driver with the most dramatic or aggressive performance could influence the final race’s strategy.
- Impact: This would create an additional layer of unpredictability, making the final race even more thrilling, as it might not just be about the top four, but also drivers who are out of contention but could still play a spoiler role.
Why This Would Work:
- Increased Drama Across the Season: By rewarding regular-season success while keeping the playoffs exciting, this change makes every race important, both during the season and in the postseason.
- Consistency and Unpredictability: A points system that rewards consistent drivers without taking away the chance for surprise upsets ensures that both the best drivers and the underdogs have a stake in the championship race.
- More Stakes in the Final Race: Adding bonus points for playoff wins and giving an advantage to top performers creates a situation where every driver in the final race has earned their spot, while still allowing for the winner-takes-all nature of the finale.
- Fan Involvement: A wildcard option or fan influence adds a unique and interactive element, making the championship feel more communal and engaging.
Conclusion:
The best change NASCAR could make would be to introduce a hybrid system that combines regular-season points with playoff performance, while keeping the high-stakes nature of the final race. By rewarding consistency throughout the season, while still maintaining the thrill and unpredictability of the playoffs, NASCAR could craft a more exciting and compelling championship race that fans of all backgrounds could embrace.
Grok Analysis:
Question 1: Given all analysis of all former and current playoff systems in the NASCAR Cup Series, what would be the most exciting scenario to crown a champion?
Grok said:
The most exciting scenario to crown a champion in the NASCAR Cup Series, based on historical analysis and current playoff systems, would likely involve a combination of elements that heighten drama, competition, and unpredictability:
- A Single, Decisive Race for the Championship:
- Having the championship decided in one final race with all points reset for the top four contenders, as in the current format, ensures that the championship is not only about the season-long performance but also about how drivers perform under the highest pressure. This format has consistently led to dramatic conclusions where the champion can be determined by mere inches or seconds at the finish line.
- Incorporating More Elimination Rounds:
- An expansion or variation of the current elimination format where more drivers are in contention for longer could add excitement. The idea here would be to have multiple rounds where drivers are progressively eliminated, perhaps with an additional round or two, making each race crucial and intensifying the stakes. This would keep the field competitive and the audience engaged over a longer period.
- Wins as the Primary Determinant for Playoff Entry:
- The system where regular season wins automatically qualify drivers for the playoffs, with points used to break ties or fill remaining spots, adds a thrilling layer where every race can lead to playoff implications. This format, which has evolved over time, ensures that even drivers outside the points lead can have a shot at the championship, promoting aggressive racing throughout the season.
- Stage Points with Increased Value for the Playoffs:
- Enhancing the importance of stage points during the playoff races could make each segment of the race vital. If stage wins or top finishes in stages were to offer more significant point bonuses, it would create mini-battles within races, adding layers of strategy and excitement where teams might need to gamble on pit strategy or aggressive racing to secure these points.
- A Final Race with All Drivers Competing:
- While the championship is decided among the final four, having all drivers compete in this race could lead to unexpected outcomes. Non-playoff drivers could influence the race’s outcome, potentially causing upsets or aiding in strategic maneuvers, which adds another element of unpredictability and excitement.
- A Scenario Where Any Driver Could Win Until the Last Lap:
- The ideal scenario would involve a championship race where, right up until the final lap, any of the four contenders could realistically win the championship. This could be enhanced by track conditions, weather, or race strategy, where no single driver has a clear advantage until the very end, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Combining these elements would not only leverage the drama of a “winner-take-all” finale but also maintain high engagement throughout the playoffs with each race carrying significant weight in the championship battle. This approach balances the need for a season-long performance with the excitement of a single, pivotal moment deciding the champion.
Question 2: What would be the best change NASCAR could make to its current playoff system to make crowning the Cup Series Champion more exciting?
Grok said:
Based on the analysis of past and current playoff systems in NASCAR, one of the most impactful changes to make crowning the Cup Series Champion more exciting would be to extend the Championship Round to multiple races. Here’s how this could work:
- Three-Race Championship Round: Instead of deciding the champion based on a single race, the Championship 4 could compete over three races, with the points reset for these drivers before this round. Each race would contribute to a cumulative score where the driver with the highest total points at the end of the three races would be crowned champion. This format would:
- Increase Drama: With three races, there’s more opportunity for comebacks, strategy, and unexpected outcomes. Each race would be a chance for drivers to gain or lose ground, keeping fans engaged throughout.
- Reduce Fluke Wins: The current system sometimes crowns a champion based on a one-race fluke where a driver might not have been the most consistent throughout the playoffs. A multi-race format would better showcase consistency and overall skill.
- Enhance Storytelling: The narrative of the championship would unfold over several weeks, allowing for different race dynamics at various tracks, which could highlight different driver strengths or team strategies.
- Maintain Intensity: Each race in the championship round would still be crucial, but the overall pressure would be distributed, potentially leading to more aggressive racing as teams might take risks knowing they have additional chances to make up for poor performances.
- Scoring System for the Championship Round: Points could be awarded normally for each race, but with an additional twist like:
- Bonus points for stage wins only during this round, or
- Double points for the final race to maintain the climax of the season.
This change would align with suggestions from various sources, including posts found on X, where ideas for making the playoff system more engaging are discussed. The concept of multiple races for the championship has been floated as a way to keep the audience engaged longer and to reward a broader spectrum of performance rather than a single day’s outcome.
This approach would retain the excitement of the playoff format while addressing criticisms about the randomness of a ‘one-race championship’, thereby potentially increasing viewership and fan investment in the series’ conclusion.