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CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Chris Rice, President of Kaulig Racing walks the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
NASCAR has yet to release details about its next points championship and playoff format, leaving fans and teams waiting for clarity. During a recent conversation, Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice addressed the delay while speaking with Kenny Wallace.
Rice confirmed the new format has not been finalized, but said discussions are ongoing inside the sport. He explained why the process slowed down, what issues NASCAR is trying to fix, and how fan feedback has influenced the direction of the changes.
Why has NASACR not announced the new format yet
Kenny Wallace asks why NASCAR has not released the new points championship format and what Chris Rice knew about the delay. Rice responded directly, saying, “I know a lot more than you think.”
When Wallace pressed further and asked if the idea had been set aside, Rice said, “I’ll be honest with you. It got put on the back burner.” He added that he has spoken often with NASCAR executive Mark Warren during the process.
Rice said the delay does not mean the plan was dropped. “You’re gonna like it. You will like it,” he said. He also noted that the format being discussed is not what many fans have seen posted online. “It’s not exactly what everybody’s posting about,” Rice said, adding that NASCAR had not made a final decision the last time he was involved.
Rice stressed that NASCAR is not looking to completely rebuild the system. “We need an adjustment. Do we need an overhaul? No. But we need an adjustment,” he said.
Chris Rice explains concerns with one race deciding the championship
One of the main topics in the conversation was the concern over a single race deciding the championship. Rice said he enjoys returning to Homestead but questioned whether one event should carry that much weight.
“I enjoy going back to Homestead, but we don’t need one race to make the difference, Rice said.”
He explained how track advantages can make outcomes feel predictable. “We know going to Homestead, if Kyle Larson’s in the final four, who the heck you think’s going to win?” Rice asked. He followed with another example, saying, “If Tyler Reddick’s in the final four, who the heck you think’s gonna have a shot?”
Rice said NASCAR officials are aware of these concerns. “They recognize that,” he said. According to Rice, fan feedback has played a role in pushing these conversations forward. “The fans have been vocal,” he added.
Fan input and focus on younger audiences
Rice also credited Kenny Wallace for publicly discussing the topic and influencing the conversation around the format. “Kenny Wallace is a big advocate of this,” Rice said. He explained that Wallace’s comments often help shape how issues are viewed inside the sport.
“I’ve watched so many times Kenny changing the direction of the conversation just by saying something, and I’m like, that’s good,” Rice said. “We’ve listened as a sport, and it’s going to be great He added.”
Rice shared his expectations for how fans will react once the format is announced. “I feel like 75 percent of the people are going to love it. Ten percent are going to be okay with it. That’s going to leave 15 percent of the people that’s going to hate it, he said.”
He also explained why NASCAR is thinking differently about points today. “The traditional way of doing points would be tough to do in this era,” Rice said, noting the sport is trying to connect with younger fans.
Chris Rice pointed to older races as an example. “There might be one car on the lead lap, and somebody’s winning the point series by 487 points, he said.” “That ain’t exciting to the young guy or the young woman.”
While NASCAR has not released official details, Chris Rice’s comments show the new format is still under discussion and shaped by fairness, fan input, and changing audience habits.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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