NASCAR chairman Brian France said Sunday that changes NASCAR made for this season -- a simplified points system, adding two wild-card Chase spots and a new qualifying procedure -- have paid off and improved the on-track product. ''All these were viewed as small changes at the time," France said. "But they actually have had a big impact and added drama." NASCAR officials changed to a new points system based on one-point per finishing position. They also added a wild-card element to the Chase, making the final two spots in the 12-man playoff based on victories over the first 26 races. And qualifying was changed to allow the fastest cars in practice to go out last in each qualifying session. France mentioned the closeness of the Chase. Nine drivers are within 19 points of each other entering the race Sunday at Kansas Speedway. "I'm not sure we could be any more pleased with how the Chase has unfolded, and really how the season has unfolded," he said. "It's still wide open. Read more: http://espn.go.com/racing/nascar/st...irman-brian-france-pleased-sprint-cup-changes
