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NASCAR returns to Chase format

The Chase is back as NASCAR reverts to previous championship format

NASCAR is returning to the championship format the series used when it first adopted a postseason model over two decades ago, with the 2026 champion to be decided in a final 10-race chase.

· 16h · on MSN

NASCAR resurrects ‘The Chase’ as the 10-race championship format returns for 2026 season

· 16h

NASCAR changes playoff format back to ‘Chase’-style system after rising criticism

· 6h

NASCAR announces the return of ‘The Chase’

NASCAR today announced the return of ‘The Chase’ as its national series championship format beginning in 2026, hearkening back to the roots of NASCAR’s original postseason format that was in place fro...

· 14h

NASCAR announces massive changes to playoff format for 2026. Here’s what we know

NBC Los Angeles · 16h

Explaining NASCAR's new championship format for 2026: ‘The Chase' is back

· 16h

NASCAR reverts to the Chase for the Championship format in 2026

Most importantly, the sample size to determine the champion is no longer a single race but a 10-race points race.

· 16h

NASCAR Is Bringing Back a 10-Race 'Chase' Playoff Format

· 16h

New NASCAR Championship Format Revealed for 2026 Season, Details on Playoff Points

Yardbarker on MSN

Top five moments from NASCAR's former playoff format

Though the sentiment around NASCAR's playoff format grew more negative with every passing year it was in use, the elimination-style postseason still provided a few thrilling moments. Here are the five best moments from NASCAR's playoff system that was in use from 2014-25.

The SportsRush

“The Emotions Were Really High”: Richard Petty Looks Back Fondly on the Final Race of His NASCAR Career

Richard Petty’s seven NASCAR Cup Championships and his streak of 200 victories across 35 years of racing remain as unsurpassed monuments in the sport. Given the format alterations NASCAR continues implementing, his records appear safe from being overtaken by any contemporary driver anytime soon.