NASCAR’s Playoff Format Overhaul: Points Over Wins for Final Chase Spots
A points‑based Chase reshapes the 2026 season, with the final race at Daytona determining the last three playoff spots and the fate of two contenders.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Daytona International Speedway across Nascar.
A points‑based Chase reshapes the 2026 season, with the final race at Daytona determining the last three playoff spots and the fate of two contenders.
On August 29, Daytona International Speedway will host the 68th running of the Coke Zero Sugar 400, the final Cup Series race of the year, with a full slate of on‑track action leading up to the prime‑time broadcast.

With only 16 of 41 entries guaranteed a spot, the upcoming Coke Zero Sugar 400 will decide the playoff field, and the fate of the No. 62 entry hangs in the balance.

The team returns to the historic superspeedway on August 28, 2026, with Jeb Burton, Blaine Perkins and Daniel Dye targeting points gains, stage wins and a strong debut.

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 23, 2025, will decide the final shape of the 2026 Chase, featuring a battle among the sport’s leading drivers.

The 2027 NASCAR calendar merges iconic events like the Daytona 500 with fresh initiatives, including a military‑themed weekend in San Diego and a $1 million In‑Season Challenge, promising a dynamic year for fans and drivers alike.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will reach its climax this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, where the final 16‑driver Chase field will be locked in after the concluding race.

Ross Chastain made history by sweeping the top four positions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while JR Motorsports secured a dominant performance and prepared for the season‑ending race at Daytona, which will be broadcast live by The CW.

The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series schedule has been unveiled, detailing which networks will air each race and outlining the key dates and venues that fans can expect.

NASCAR’s 2027 schedule revives classic events, introduces street racing and reshapes the playoff map, setting the stage for a dynamic season.

Mason Maggio will take over the No. 91 Chevrolet for the upcoming Daytona race, replacing Derek Lemke, who has been absent from the series since 2023.

Young’s Motorsports is gearing up for a full‑season assault in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, highlighted by a strategic focus on the Winn‑Dixie 250 at Daytona International Speedway. With Ryan Ellis bringing over a decade of NASCAR experience and a 2025 top‑10 finish under his belt, the team hopes to translate its growing expertise into a championship‑contending campaign.

The season‑ending race at Daytona will feature a new aerodynamic and horsepower package, no practice, and a tight fight for the last three playoff spots, promising high‑speed passes and potential new winners.

NASCAR has announced its full 2027 Cup Series calendar, detailing races from February to November, including key events at Daytona, Richmond, and Homestead‑Miami, as well as a lineup of road‑course and oval competitions.

NASCAR unveils its 2027 calendar, featuring the return of San Diego, the All‑Star Race at North Wilkesboro, the Wheatley Vodka Clash at Daytona, and a $20 million upgrade at Homestead‑Miami, while expanding military collaborations and new series venues.

NASCAR announces its 2027 calendar, highlighting the return of the San Diego event at Naval Base Coronado, the Wheatley Vodka Clash at Daytona, the All‑Star Race at North Wilkesboro, and a upgraded Championship Weekend at Homestead‑Miami, alongside new venues and an ongoing partnership with the U.S. Navy

NASCAR has unveiled its 2027 season calendar, highlighting a refreshed playoff structure, the return of the Clash to Daytona, and new dates for several races, while also noting developments in IndyCar and Williams.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2027 Wheatley Vodka Clash at Daytona International Speedway, marking the race’s comeback to the high‑banked track after a five‑year absence and fitting into a packed Speedweeks schedule.

NASCAR announces its 2027 schedule, featuring a season‑opening race at Daytona, a return to San Diego, a new military‑hosted event at Naval Base Coronado, and a $20 million upgrade at Homestead that will serve as the championship finale.

A series of misheard code words during pit stops at New Hampshire and Texas forced teams to rethink secret strategies, influencing outcomes and the final Daytona showdown.

The Wheatley Vodka Clash returns to Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2027, bringing nine days of on‑track action, the Full Throttle Festival, and the kickoff of several NASCAR series.

Kevin Harvick warns that recent rulings at Daytona threaten the fairness of the Cup Series, while his recent participation in the Star Nursery Classic underscores his ongoing influence on the sport.

NASCAR announces its 2027 schedule, featuring new races at San Diego, Dover, Darlington and Pocono, a return to Naval Base Coronado, and an expanded multi‑year partnership with the Department of Defense

NASCAR reveals its 2027 calendar, highlighting a race at Naval Base Coronado to honor service members, new events at Dover and Pocono, and the continuation of its partnership with the Department of Defense for future military‑hosted events.