When Nextel bought the sponsorship in 2004, they brought a new championship format, then known as the Chase for the Nextel Cup. In this format, the top twelve drivers (changed from the top ten in 2007), over the final ten races, fight for the championship. Only three drivers have won the Chase since its inception, [[Kurt Busch]], [[Tony Stewart]], and [[Jimmie Johnson]]. Jimmie has won it the last three years. | When Nextel bought the sponsorship in 2004, they brought a new championship format, then known as the Chase for the Nextel Cup. In this format, the top twelve drivers (changed from the top ten in 2007), over the final ten races, fight for the championship. Only three drivers have won the Chase since its inception, [[Kurt Busch]], [[Tony Stewart]], and [[Jimmie Johnson]]. Jimmie has won it the last three years. |