NASCAR's move back to the Chase playoff format should satisfy most (though not all) fans and restore credibility to the championship.

For the past 12 years, NASCAR has used the same championship format. The four-round, 10-race knockout playoff format with 16 championship contenders following the 26-race regular season will finally come to an end in the 2026 season.

NASCAR is announcing the newest Championship Playoff Format changes on Monday, January 12 and it looks like consistency will be rewarded again

Before embarking on his defense of the 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Series championship, Jesse Love is returning to the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lo

As per reports, NASCAR is ready to unveil the new championship format on Monday, January 12, 2026. And not only fans but drivers are also eagerly waiting to hear the same.

NASCAR will announce its new championship format tomorrow, and industry executives are predicting a simplified system that shifts closer toward racing norms but without going all the way back to the sport’s old-school points formula.

A new playoff format will please some (but definitely not all), a lot of drivers will be rumored on the move, and more predictions for 2026.

For the past few days, forums and NASCAR communities have been buzzing with discussions surrounding the 2026 NASCAR season, especially regarding the playoff format. As of 2025, NASCAR was using a 10-race playoff system for crowning its champion.