Chase Changes Should Make Martinsville Speedway More Exciting Than Ever

Changes to NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup should only enhance the racing and the fan experience at Martinsville Speedway, according to track President Clay Campbell.

The changes in the Chase expand the field from 12 to 16; put more emphasis on winning; and creates elimination rounds during the final 10 races.

"I am thrilled with the changes announced by Brian France today regarding the Chase to the Sprint Cup for 2014. Now the emphasis is where it belongs....winning!" said Campbell. "This should be one of the most exciting years ever for NASCAR and in particular, our fans."

The number of championship drivers in contention for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship will decrease after every three Chase races, from 16 to start in the Chase Grid; 12 after Chase race No. 3; eight after Chase race No. 6; and four after Chase race No. 9

The first three races of the Chase (races 27-29) will be known as the Challenger Round; races 30-32 will be known as the Contender Round; races 33-35 will be the Eliminator Round and race No. 36 will be the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship.

Martinsville Speedway's fall Sprint Cup race, the Goody's® Headache Relief Shot® 500, will again be the seventh race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. It will be the first race of the Eliminator Round.

"Now it's very simple to understand how we determine our champion. You don't need a calculator, you don't need to ponder ‘what if' scenarios and you don't have to be a mathematic whizz," said Campbell "Every race is important now and the races here at Martinsville Speedway are always exciting so I can't imagine how exciting it's going to be now with winning being so important. The word ‘bumper' does come to mind though! NASCAR has done a tremendous job over the past few years listening to our fans and I think this dramatic change is proof of that."

Racing action returns to Martinsville Speedway March 28-30 with the STP 500 weekend.

Ticket prices for the STP 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on March 30 start at $37. Seats in the Bill France Tower are only $42. Youth 12 and under tickets in the Clay Earles Tower are $10 with teens 13-17 for $25 and adults only $57.

The Family Four Pack, which includes 2 adults and 2 youth 12 and under, starts at just $90.

The Kroger 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is scheduled for March 29 and Pole Day on March 28.