NASCAR sticking with original rules for Chase

BROOKLYN, Mich. — NASCAR is sticking with its original 2015 rules package for the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing development officer, announced the decision Friday after a meeting with drivers at Michigan International Speedway. This choice comes after NASCAR put track- specific packages in place for a handful of races recently — including this weekend at Michigan.

But when the 10- race Chase begins Sept. 20 at Chicagoland, the original rules will be used.

“We’ve seen some good things with that package,” O’Donnell said. “A lot of work has been done by the race teams already, leading up to the final 10 races. Feel like that’s the best decision for the sport.”

A special high- drag aerodynamic package was used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last month and will be in place again this weekend at Michigan, and it received some criticism from drivers. But a low- downforce package put in place at Kentucky was more popular, and it will be used again at Darlington next month.

“A ton of positives we saw from Kentucky, but we’ve got to take the time to dial those things in and make sure that everybody’s on the same page, we’ve got the best package to put forth, especially as we look to ’ 16,” O’Donnell said. “That does have a lot of momentum and a lot of positives that we can apply to Darlington, and then make some calls post- Darlington as well.”

Kenseth on pole

Friday’s announcement came shortly after Matt Kenseth won the pole at MIS. Joe Gibbs Racing swept the top three spots, with Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards finishing second and third.

JGR recently won four consecutive races — three by Kyle Busch and one by Kenseth.

Busch’s wins came at Kentucky, New Hampshire and Indianapolis, meaning he won under three sets of rules.