Changes to the NHRA Coutdown

It took three years for NASCAR to tweak the Chase. The NHRA did it after one year.
Last year the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series introduced the Countdown, a playoff to determine champions in its four national divisions: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.
It consisted of the top eight drivers and two round of eliminations.
This year, the playoffs will consist of the top 10 drivers in each division for one, six-round playoff.
There are some other tweaks as well, like awarding the leader in each division 10 bonus points before the Countdown begins.
The Countdown begins with the race after the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis on Sept. 1.
“It’s going to bring a lot more drama and excitement to the U.S. Nationals with the regular season ending there,” said three-time and defending NHRA Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the top 10 drivers will have their points reset in 10-point increments, from 2,070 for first place to 1,980 for 10th, but the first place driver will actually begin
the playoffs with 2,090 after tacking on the 20-point bonus.
The NHRA begins Feb. 7 with the Carquest Auto Parts Winternationals in Pomona.
“The Countdown has moved from a good idea to a well-fine-tuned machine,” said five-time Top Fuel champ Tony Schumacher.