Report: NASCAR considering changes to Sprint Cup Chase

Jimmie Johnson has won six Sprint Cup titles, including last season. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

NASCAR is considering restructuring its points system in the Chase for the Cup playoff series, sources told The Charlotte Observer. It would also expand the field from 12 to 16 drivers.

The new system would emphasize winning races, as a victory in the season's first 26 races would "virtually ensure a driver entry into the championship Chase," according to the report. Should there be more than 16 winners in the 26 races, the 16 drivers with the most wins and highest point totals would get berths.

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The field would be whittled down after the third, sixth and ninth Chase races bracket-style, setting up a winner-take-all finale at Homestead.

The proposal could still be tweaked before the expected announcement later this month.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France said he was “not satisfied” with the current points structure, The Observer reported, citing an interview with Motor Racing Network earlier this month.

Said France: “We think we can make some tweaks that continue to incentivize risk-taking, racing harder and so on."