John Force Haters Enter:

[Marvin Robinson]

Originally Posted by 427_ED

Which pro drivers would have won championships if there were no "Countdown" or "points take-away system" ?

I haven't done the math on it, but remember, the countdown was put in place to keep from having a runaway season for a driver wrapping up the Championship during the Western swing as has happened in the past. It was to create World Finals "drama" by keeping the race close and the possibility of the Crown being on the line at the last race(s). (Have you forgotten how "ho, hum" some of the World Finals have been when the Champ was crowned weeks in advance?)

Like it or lump it, the Countdown has achieved it's purpose, in spades, and probably increased spectator and sponsorship participation. Some who would have been winners under the old system have lost, and some have been granted a new chance to win in a season with trouble spots, but the true cream still rises to the top, all season consistency is still the biggest factor.... and the World finals have been nail biters for sure.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the Countdown in the beginning, but from a marketing standpoint, I gotta admit it really has achieved it's purpose, and the excitement in the last 4 races is infectious.