NASCAR: Does the points system really need a change?

It seems that ever since the midway point of the 2003 Winston Cup Season, we've had to hear TV analysts and drivers complain about how the NASCAR points system needs to be changed.

The controversy swirls around the fact that Matt Kenseth carries a 226 point lead into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway with only one win, while Ryan Newman sits 329 points back with eight wins and 11 poles.

Now, come with me for a ride in which we look at why there is no reason to change a perfectly good points system.

NASCAR awards consistency, not victories.

Kenseth's one DNF and 9.31 average finish compared to Newman's six DNF's and 13.26 average finish pretty much tells the story.

The driver with the best average finish should be deserving of the championship, right?

Let's take a second to look at the top 5 in points and their average finish.

Matt Kenseth: 9.31 Jimmie Johnson: 11.63 Dale Earnhardt Jr: 12.4 Ryan Newman: 13.26 Jeff Gordon: 13.14*

* Gordon has more bonus points than Newman.

Now, for all of you reading this article, do you see a trend developing?

Kenseth clearly is deserving of the championship and anybody wanting to take that away from him needs to spend some time in a mental institution.

In addition, just look at the Busch Grand National and Craftsman Truck Series, both of which use the same points system as the Winston Cup, which just concluded two of the closest points battles in NASCAR history and was very exciting to watch.

Change is good, but there are times when things need to be left alone.

NASCAR seems to always find it necessary to give in to pressure and change something that doesn't need to be changed.

For example, the "yellow-line-rule" at the series' four restrictor plate races is one of the most pathetic principles in all of motor sports.

Taking away racetrack when cars are already to close together to move or change lanes is pathetic, but let's hold off on that topic for another time.

There is no reason to adjust a points system that has worked for over 30 years.

Simply put, "don't fix it if it ain't broke."