NASCAR has announced that it will retire the phrase 'regular season champion' and replace it with the designation 'No. 1 seed' for the driver who tops the points standings as the playoffs approach.
The clarification came from NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Communications Mike Forde, who discussed the shift during the latest episode of the series' official 'Hauler Talk' podcast.
Forde said the change is part of a broader effort to streamline NASCAR's messaging and to use language that more accurately reflects the unique nature of stock car racing, moving away from terminology that feels borrowed from other sports.
The new wording will take effect before the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, one of the final races before the championship phase begins.
The Brickyard 400 Marks a Turning Point
The race will serve as the last opportunity for drivers to jockey for the top seed, a position that carries a set of strategic advantages once the postseason officially starts.
While the points system remains unchanged, the elimination of the regular season trophy signals a cultural shift; the driver who finishes first will still receive the same on‑track benefits, but the title no longer carries the 'champion' label.
Veteran Mark Martin, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, weighed in on the conversation, noting that drivers do not 'play' the sport but rather race and compete, underscoring the series' emphasis on pure competition.
Fan response has been mixed, with many agreeing that dropping the word 'playoffs' in favor of a seed‑based description better captures the sport's essence.
As the regular season draws to a close, the battle for the No. 1 seed has become one of the most compelling storylines, setting the stage for a high‑stakes showdown at Homestead‑Miami Speedway in November where the ultimate Cup Series champion will be crowned.