NASCAR has announced a major overhaul of its championship format, reverting to a system reminiscent of the period from 2004 to 2013. On Monday, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell, flanked by Hall of Famers Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr., outlined the changes that will redefine the way the top series determines its champion. The new system eliminates the previous win-and-in criteria and the complex playoff format that characterized recent seasons.
Under the new rules, the season will still consist of a 26-race regular season. After the final event, the top 16 drivers in the points standings will advance to a ten-race postseason, culminating in a champion being crowned at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November. However, the path to the championship will no longer involve elimination rounds or playoff points, simplifying the process considerably.
Return to Simplicity and Tradition
The revised format marks a significant shift away from the increasingly complicated systems that have dominated recent NASCAR seasons. Instead of relying on a multi-tiered playoff structure, the championship will now be decided solely based on points accumulated during the races. Winners will earn 55 points, while stage points will also remain in play. This straightforward approach aims to reward drivers for their performance throughout the entire season.
O’Donnell expressed optimism about the change, stating that it aligns more closely with the fundamental principles of stock car racing. The shift has garnered support from several current drivers, including Chase Elliott and Chase Briscoe. Elliott noted that this new format allows champions to emerge based on consistent performance over the season rather than the unpredictability of a final race.
“It’s appealing that a champion will come out in the wash, rewarded for a yearlong effort,” Elliott remarked. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among drivers with the previous playoff system, which has been criticized for potentially undermining the significance of a driver’s cumulative achievements over the season. Notably, Denny Hamlin faced a dramatic upset in the 2025 finale, leading the series in wins only to have his season derailed by a late caution.
Community Response and Future Implications
The announcement follows a year-long discussion initiated during the February 2025 Daytona 500 weekend, when NASCAR formed an exploratory committee to evaluate potential changes. The committee included executives, drivers, and even media representatives, highlighting a collaborative approach to tackling fan concerns about the sport’s direction.
Mark Martin, who has long advocated for a return to a more traditional points system, played a significant role in these discussions. He emphasized the need to reconnect with “core fans” who felt alienated by the previous formats. Martin’s voice resonated throughout the deliberations, ultimately shaping the outcome that was revealed on Monday.
“I appeal to all race fans, especially the classic fans, who say to me, ‘I don’t watch anymore,'” Martin said during the announcement. “I say we need you. Come back and join us, and we’ll keep making progress.” His passion for the sport and its heritage was evident, as he described the desire for a championship format that feels authentic and engaging.
While this new championship format is not expected to be the final iteration, it represents a significant step toward reestablishing a connection with the sport’s roots. For the first time in years, drivers will compete for the championship with a clearer understanding of the rules and a renewed focus on performance.
NASCAR’s history has been characterized by an ever-evolving points system, and as Richard Petty famously noted, the goal has always been to win every week and let the points work out accordingly. With this latest change, NASCAR aims to foster a competitive environment where champions are determined through consistent excellence rather than the complexities of an intricate playoff system.
As the new season approaches, NASCAR hopes that these changes will not only satisfy long-time fans but also attract new audiences eager to witness the sport’s return to its competitive roots.
