OPINION: Is there even a point to the chase anymore?

     Today, there has been much speculation out about the expansion of the chase in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series. I have to ask though...why expand it? I thought that the chase was made to narrow the Field for the cup series, not to give everyone a prize. I can't help but compare it to today's society. We feel a need to reward everyone, per say at kids sporting events. Not that boo kids who all get trophy's, but if they didn't earn it, why should they get it?

     If NASCAR implements a 15 man chase to the championship in the 2011 season, I believe it will hurt the sport even more. NASCAR is pretty much saying that if you can just about average a little better than a top 20 finish for the first 26 races, you will have a chance at the championship. Tell me, why does 15th place get the same chance as 1st place in points at the championship? Obviously 1st place preformed much better, had more wins, and was more consistent. Why does a winner have to compete with a mediocre driver for the award that goes to the most successful driver after an overall season?
     
     Lastly, is there even a point to have the chase anymore then? If most of the field gets to compete for the championship anyway, why have this big lead up to the chase, when virtually no driver that is a substantial fan holder will be unable to compete for the championship? I'm sorry if I'm blunt, but i just have to ask. I personally think that NASCAR simply wants to do this too make sure there drivers that draw the biggest crowd always make the chase. Personally, if a fan really likes their driver that much, they will be backing him week in and out regardless if he is in the chase or not. I personally don't think him being in the chase will draw more fans to the television. The ones that are watching now, will more than likely be watching later regardless of his status in the chase.
     I personally say this because I have been in this position. Since 2002, I have been a very dedicated Kasey Kahne fan, and regardless if he makes the chase or not, I stand behind him and watch every race no matter what. Its not a determination in my own or many other fans, fan ship as NASCAR is seeming to put it. Fans are fans. If NASCAR really knew their fan base, they would realize that we don't jump around with our drivers. We are in it to win it, regardless of how long it takes, and we don't like NASCAR adjusting the system just to get us in because our drivers "draw ratings" as they claim.              
     Overall, I think NASCAR expanding the chase to 15 drivers is a drawback to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, not only because its childish, but it may also offend some people in the long run, due to the reasoning simply being to gain ratings only, and not trying to have a classy, well ran sport.