NASCAR Revamps Championship Format, Returning to a Simpler Points System
No one has ever driven a DeLorean in a NASCAR event, but the sport is indeed going “Back to the Future” with its championship format. On January 12, 2026, NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell announced a long-anticipated overhaul of the manner in which stock car racing’s top series will determine its champion. The new format marks a significant departure from the previous playoff system, which had been in place since 2014.
The new format will feature a 26-race “regular season,” followed by a 10-race postseason with the top 16 drivers in the points standings. However, the key change is that the champion will be determined by a simple points system, with the driver earning the most points throughout the season being crowned the champion. This marks a return to the way NASCAR champions were crowned from 2004 to 2013, known as the Chase era.
According to NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell, the decision to revamp the championship format was made after careful consideration and input from various stakeholders, including drivers, team owners, and fans. “We wanted to create a system that was easy to understand and rewarded consistency and performance throughout the season,” O’Donnell explained.
Reactions from the NASCAR Community
Reactions to the new format have been largely positive, with many drivers and team owners praising the simplicity and fairness of the new system. “I think this format is a great way to determine the champion,” said Chase Elliott. “It rewards the teams and drivers who perform well throughout the season, rather than just in a few select races.” Ryan Blaney added, “It’s a format that we all grew up with, and it feels right. It’s simple, and it’s easy to understand.”
A Compromise Between Old and New
The new format can be seen as a compromise between the old and new, as it retains some elements of the previous playoff system while introducing a simpler and more straightforward points system. Mark Martin, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, played a significant role in advocating for a return to a more traditional points system. “I’m happy with the new format,” Martin said. “It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. I think it will make the sport more enjoyable for fans and more rewarding for drivers and teams.”
While the new format may not please everyone, it is a significant step towards creating a more exciting and competitive championship season. As NASCAR continues to evolve, it is likely that the championship format will undergo further changes in the future. However, for now, the sport is headed in a positive direction, and fans can look forward to a thrilling season of racing.
As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches, fans can expect a more simplified and exciting championship format. With the new points system in place, drivers and teams will be rewarded for their performance throughout the season, rather than just in a few select races. Whether you’re a longtime NASCAR fan or just discovering the sport, the 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one.
