Dale Earnhardt Jr. Breaks Silence on NASCAR Adopting New Championship Format Scraping Playoffs

NASCAR, the premier stock car racing sanctioning body, has finally listened to the fans and has decided to scarp the playoff format that rewarded clutch runs over consistency. From 2026, the sport is going back to the original chase format (2004 to 2013) where the champion will be determined in 10-race round, from the 16 best in the regular season.   

They have also decided to end the win, and you are in system, as the playoff grid will be chosen based on the championship points standing. Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. is really excited about the change, that has readjusted points for race winners to make things fairer. He sees this as the closest to a full-season points format fan could expect.

I was really excited to hear the news that we were getting a little closer to a full 36-race format. This is as close in my opinion that you can get without going all the way.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via motorsport.com.

Further talking about the point, the Hall of Famer pointed out that the change makes the championship simple for the fans to follow. This also will give the fans the opportunity to be more involved in their driver’s performance, as every point and every mistake will be factor in the final standings.

What I believe it does is it makes it simpler for our fans to follow. I’m a fan of the sport, and now I’m compelled to plug in every single week because I know there’s a long form objective for my driver to accomplish to be able to give himself the opportunity to win the championship.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. insist the new format makes every single point count

In the same conversation during the format announcement, the HOF driver asserted that the new format put drivers on their toes throughout the year. Having a solid start won’t be enough, as consistency and scoring as many bonus points as possible while making little mistakes will count more.

So even though my driver may have success early on in the season, it does not assure him success in the postseason. So, with the way that they’re going to stack the bonus points and everything else, it’s critical that these drivers have success every single week.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

Furthermore, the veteran pointed out that the new format makes sure that every point and every single lap will matter for the racers in the chase. It makes the title chase easy for the fans as well as the drivers involved.

Every single race, every single lap will have more importance. I think it’s fun for the drivers to have a more clear objective for how to get to the championship and easier for our fans to follow.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

One drawback with the change is the fact that the underdog teams are going to miss out on the massive payday they would’ve had, if they win a one-off race in the regular season and secured playoffs spot. But it’s sacrifice that is needed for the greater good of the sport.

Also Read: Brad Keselowski Exposes the Reason for Quitting 2026 NASCAR Clash at The Madhouse

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