NASCAR's playoffs are set to begin with a new set of rules that gives the sanctioning body the power to issue far stiffer penalties - so stringent that a driver could lose the championship if his team fails inspection. The increased penalties announced Wednesday give NASCAR the authority to levy a harsh penalty should a car fail a post-race trip to the Laser Inspection Station. A winning team would not be able to use the victory to advance to the next round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. More...