It was announced on Thursday that NASCAR is holding a press conference on Monday, Jan. 12 to announce the newest format changes to win a NASCAR Championship. As expected, there has been much speculation about what changes will be announced.
The latest format had a “win and you’re in” base to make up the field of 16 eligible drivers. From there, drivers were eliminated after three-race segments to decide the remaining four to win the championship via the best finisher in the finale.
Fans have been clamoring for consistency to be rewarded. And, it looks like they might be getting that wish.
Heavy.com has spoken with industry insiders to get a clearer picture of the new format possibilities. All asked not to be quoted because of the sensitive nature regarding the announcement.
Win and You’re In is OUT
The days of winning one race to qualify for Championship eligibility will be no longer. That means, Austin Dillon would not make the Playoffs based off a single win like he did last year. He was ranked 25th in points at the time of his victory at Richmond Raceway.
On the other hand, a five-time winner like Shane van Gisbergen also would not make the playoffs as he was 24th when it started at Darlington Raceway last season.
The Call for Consistency is Here
The most common aspect heard about the new format is drivers and teams will be rewarded a place in the Playoffs based on their results in the first 26 races. The 10-race Championship field could remain at the current status of 16 drivers. This year, they will each earn their way in via points positions after the 26th race no matter how many times they’ve won, or haven’t won.
One of the biggest detractors about the former format was drivers and teams weren’t rewarded for consistency. In NASCAR, it’s all about winning while also being consistent to earn as many points as possible during the 36-race season.
With that said, Chris Buescher would have made the Playoffs last year but was shut out by the one-race winners like Dillon, Austin Cindric and Josh Berry.
The 2026 NASCAR Champions will be decided amongst the 16 drivers with no eliminations through the final 10 races. That means if a driver starts out slow in the beginning of those final races, he has a chance to rally back through the latter portion. Likewise, if a driver starts out strong, he will fall back through the Playoffs.
Four to Race through Three
One scenario getting some traction has the 16-car Playoff field still in place with eliminations still happening. However, instead of four drivers racing it out in one race to decide a champion, the final two or three races would come into play.
Denny Hamlin was handily enroute to his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway last season. A caution with two laps remaining set up a green/white/checkers finish and left the leaders deciding to pit for two or four tires.
Hamlin didn’t, Kyle Larson did for two and took the crown in those final laps.
A new format would have the four drivers racing for the championship through the final three races. This would reward a smaller aspect of consistency as the best finishes of the four would be the deciding factor.
Making Everyone Happy is Impossible
No matter what is announced on Monday, 1/12 there will be those who like, dislike and absolutely hate whatever changes are made. The NASCAR fanbase is a vocal and passionate one, for sure.
Either way, NASCAR is to be applauded for wanting to make changes to the Playoff format instead of keeping status quo. Coming off the anti-trust lawsuit situation, maintaining and earning back the fan base’s trust is paramount.
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