Since 2014, NASCAR has had a playoff format, which allowed 16 drivers to compete for the title in a 10-race postseason. It also allowed the remaining drivers to compete. Those races would be split into four elimination-style rounds, with the first three rounds being three races each. And after each round, the bottom four drivers found themselves eliminated.

In the end, four drivers would race for the title. While the format created excitement, think about Ross Chastain’s 2022 Martinsville “Hail Melon”, many fans want the format gone. Why? They believe the format produced undeserving champions. So, taking that feedback into account, NASCAR decided to introduce a new format in 2026. And if rumors are to be believed, some of the details might have been leaked.

Apparently, one of the members of the NASCAR forum was tipped off by an ‘insider’. He was informed that NASCAR is going to adopt a new Chase format. According to this new format, which NASCAR intends to extend to the last 10 races at most, drivers will be judged based on their performance and points in these ‘Chase’ races. A glimpse of the same was provided during the 2025 season.

The NASCAR Playoffs bring chaos into the field. The system is exciting. After all, the drivers have to stay on the edge until the very end of the season. In theory, it is meant to take the championship to the last race. Previously, the season used to crown its champions way too early, owing to the domination of some drivers and teams. NASCAR thought that to keep fans engaged until the last moment, it would be a good idea not to crown the champion based solely on season points.

The issue arises when deserving drivers are unable to win the championship. Even if a driver is highly successful throughout the campaign, he may end up losing the title if he fails in the Playoffs. To combat the frustration of the drivers and fans alike, NASCAR tried to bring some changes to its format.

As per the latest update, NASCAR will make an announcement on Monday afternoon, 3:30 PM ET, at the NASCAR Productions Facility in Concord, North Carolina.

While the theories run amok about the insider’s post, it caught a lot of attention, which came with a fresh surge of comments. Eventually, the post was deleted from the forum, but the reactions from NASCAR followers are rather mixed.

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Leaks about the so-called ‘Chase format’ create chaos among NASCAR fans

“Best of both worlds if this is true,” was the immediate response of one of the users when talking about this new information.

The news brought forth a lot of support. “I hope your source is good. It would be a great decision for NASCAR to release a chase system for this season and beyond, but I will wait and see what the final press release from NASCAR says.”

The fans do not want to see a deserving driver lose the championship and stay in shambles. Plus, apart from the introduction of stage racing in 2017 (which added a way to score regular points and another element to the “playoff points”), the current format has stayed the same since its introduction.

The 2014 format had replaced the old Chase for the Cup format that was used as NASCAR’s initial playoff format from 2004 to 2013. Back then, it was quite a controversial move.

It’s not that the playoff system isn’t a good method. The irony is that it effectively reduces the importance and use of the 26 races in the regular season. 16 drivers from the regular season qualify for the playoffs. In that case, why should fans watch the regular-season races if the real champion will be decided in the final 10 races?

The Chase format does not stray too far away from the current NASCAR format. Even though it does promise fair competition for the last 10 races, some fans simply do not like the idea.

“Sorry, but I’m very much on the full-season points format or the highway. Don’t get me wrong, chase is leagues better than playoffs, but I’m sick of all the gimmicks.”

Eventually, the discussion also ended up talking about the information from the insiders. Bob Pockrass, Jeff Gluck, and other noteworthy reporters have denied any information about the new format. But ticket reps, as discussed in the post, are quite confident about these reports. One of the users commented on the accuracy of their information.

“Had my rep tell me Iowa was getting another race months before the schedule came out. Shout-out to the NASCAR ticket reps!!”

It is difficult to determine if the post was made on a serious note or if the user was just posting random clickbait. The fact that the forum has taken it down should be a key factor in evaluating its reality. But, let’s say NASCAR does introduce such a rule, would you be in favor of the format, or would you want something different?