by Matt Crossman

Power and stupidity are a frightening combination, and at this time a year ago, it appeared Brian France had summoned a bottomless reservoir of both in green-lighting the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup.

There could be no doubt France had the power to make the change. NASCAR is family-owned, so other than maybe a difficult time at reunions ("Could you pass the potato salad — and stop destroying our sport, please?"), France didn't face terrible internal pressure to stand pat. But being able to do something — and doing it — are two different things.

If taking on the NFL — a major reason for the Chase — seemed to be an outrageous act of hubris, the method France chose seemed to be an outrageous act of dimwittedness. France saw the Chase as a way to inspire an electric points race, to ensure slam-bam racing right to the end of the season. The critics — fans, drivers, owners, crew chiefs, crew members, crew members' families, crew members' friends, friends of crew members' families — saw none of that. Split the season in two? Recast the points? Basically forget about 33 drivers? What a fool!

Ordinal out of range

A year later: What a genius! Sixteen months into France's tenure as NASCAR's chairman, the sport barely resembles the one founded by his grandfather in 1947. In addition to shepherding in a new points system and new title sponsor, France lifted a ban on hard liquor sponsors, bought land for a track in New York City and moved the sport into Canada and Mexico.

Nextel's title sponsorship was an epic deal, one in which France was heavily involved. The "Winston" in Winston Cup prevented the sport from promoting itself on TV. With that limitation gone — and a more compelling points race in place — NASCAR will enter a new level in the American consciousness. France's innovations have made the sport better. Power and foresight — that's a combination.

Matt Crossman is an associate editor for Sporting News. Email him at mcrossman@sportingnews.com.