NASCAR announced that the 2026 Cup Series champion will be decided under the traditional Chase format, a move that has earned the backing of seven‑time champion Chase Elliott, who said the change restores the sport’s authenticity and does away with manufactured drama.
A More Natural Path to the Crown
Under the revived format, the 16 drivers who qualify will have their points reset based on their finishing positions in the regular season, and the championship will be contested over a ten‑race stretch in which the highest point total crowns the champion.
Elliott, who captured the 2020 Cup Series title after advancing to the Round of 8 and winning the final two races, also secured the regular‑season championship in 2022, only to see the playoff structure prevent him from claiming the overall crown.
He argues that the traditional Chase better reflects NASCAR’s sporting roots, noting that the previous system often required artificial storylines to generate excitement, a point underscored by NASCAR’s own acknowledgment that forced entertainment was unnecessary for championship drama.
With the new format set to debut in 2026, Elliott’s endorsement suggests a renewed confidence that the sport can deliver genuine competition and a more straightforward path to the championship.