Sure, the NFL preseason is in full swing and the regular season starts on Sept. 7, two days before the final pre-Chase race at Richmond, but where do your loyalties lie? Do you want to see a race, or does your mind start to salivate over the first blowup between Terrell Owens and Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells?

I admit that I love my football, but I think, as a racing journalist and fan, the Chase for the Nextel Cup is losing a little bit of its luster.

When NASCAR boss Brian France announced a few months back that his organization would be "tweaking" the Chase format starting in 2007, my ears perked up. However, nothing concrete was laid on the table.
Maybe there's a grand plan in the works that'll help keep the engine of fan interest roaring at full song, but the two-year history of the Chase is telling for how the flaws have been exposed.

The first Chase for the Nextel Cup in 2004 was nothing short of awesome. Five drivers were in the running for the title when the series hit Homestead-Miami Speedway for the final race of the year. I remember how Kurt Busch's championship dreams were nearly ruined when his right rear wheel fell off as he entered pit road. I remember how he rallied like a madman and finished third, good enough to claim the first Nextel Cup.

In 2005, it clearly was Tony Stewart's year. There wasn't any real drama to speak of after Smoke dominated from the race at Infineon in June. Five wins in seven weeks was certainly championship-worthy.

But one major key that weakened last year's Chase was the absence of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., two of NASCAR's biggest and most-recognizable stars.

Barring any miraculous surges, this year's Chase lineup will likely have four new additions - Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton (the pair who are part of the resurgent Richard Childress Racing team), Kyle Busch, and rookie Denny Hamlin. Gordon and Earnhardt are also likely to make the field, so long as there aren't any DNF's between Michigan and Richmond.

I'm wondering what can be done to make the Chase even better. If NASCAR is all about speed, I'm hoping that Brian France and the crew will work fast and turn the Chase into must-see-TV.

NASCAR may not surpass the NFL in the popularity department, but hey, it's racing. Even Terrell Owens can't catch these guys.
I'll be here sharing my thoughts - every Monday in the print edition, and as often as needed online. I'll also be watching on TV, with only an occasional glimpse at the NFL.

But I'd love to catch a glimpse of what you think, from making the Chase to watching the race. What revs your engine about motorsports?