I like the change and actually think it looks good. Putting the sponsorship where the car number is on the door seems like a natural, its not interrupted and just flows better to my eye. As far as needing the car number to identify the car because sponsors and car schemes change you can still...
The top placing driver of the final four championship contenders at the Phoenix race does not win the championship, as he is disqualified for a rules infraction handing the 2nd highest placing driver in the final four the championship.