Charlotte, N.C. ? Humpy Wheeler, the president of Lowe’s Motor Speedway and a man who has spent four decades promoting NASCAR, remembers a moment last year when he knew things needed to change.

Drivers Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart were asked on TV what would be more important to them: winning a race such as the Daytona 500 or going winless all year and winning the championship. Both opted for a winless championship.

“That’s when all the promoters knew we had a problem,” Wheeler said. “That’s not what this sport is meant to be. We had to do something.”

NASCAR is doing it.

One of the biggest changes in the history of the sport will be announced today when NASCAR officials spell out the details of the new points system. It will include a 10-race playoff for the first Nextel Cup championship.

Here are a few of the changes the new format is expected to include:

l At least 10 drivers will compete for the title in the final 10 events of the season. The first 26 races will determine the championship contenders.

l Drivers outside the playoff field will continue to race for points and victories as they have in the past.

l NASCAR probably will tweak the current points system to award more points for winning a race.

NASCAR chairman Brian France and president Mike Helton will reveal the new system at the NASCAR Research and Development Center, which is one stop on the annual UAW-GM Motorsports Media Tour.

The new plan has come under heavy criticism from drivers and fans, but Wheeler is convinced it’s the right thing to do.