“The Chase” is returning to NASCAR in 2026, which NASCAR unveiled a new format that favors a season long battle for the championship rather than a winner take all format that we saw in previous years.

“The Chase” format was used in NASCAR’s premier series from 2004-2013 with NASCAR determining the seasons champion with a cumulative points accumulated over the course of the 10 race playoff races.

Beginning this season the champion crowned at seasons end in Homestead will have accumulated the most points throughout the 10 race playoff span.

Prior to the beginning of the 2025 season, NASCAR formed the “Playoff Committee”, which consisted of drivers, members of the media and executives. The panel discussed throughout the 2025 season plans for a change of the playoff format after NASCAR’s previous format which gave drivers a free ride to the playoffs with a win in the regular season and a winner take all format for the final race. Fans voiced their opinions on social media for a change in the format favoring a champion crowned with a culmination of points rather than one race deciding the champion.

“Was it the best format we could go with?,” Steve O’Donnell said during the press conference referring to the previous format NASCAR used.

Once the playoff field is set, the leader in points standings will have 2100 points heading into the 10 race playoff races. A ten point interval will separate second and third place while a five point interval will separate all other drivers.

Total points once “The Chase” begins: 1st: 2100 points, Second: 2075 points, Third: 2065 points, Fourth: 2060 points, Fifth: 2055 points, Sixth: 2050 points, Seventh: 2045 points, Eighth: 2040 points, Ninth: 2035 points, Tenth: 2030 points, Eleventh: 2025 points, Twelfth: 2020 points, Thirteenth: 2015 points, Fourteenth: 2010 points, Fifteenth: 2005 points, Sixteenth: 2000 points

Drivers in attendance included Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe and Ryan Blaney. Also in attendance were NASCAR hall of famers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin as well as Steve O’Donnell from NASCAR.

Chase Briscoe said during the press conference that he believes this format is easier for the fans to follow.

“I’m a fan of the sport and now I know I’m compelled to plug in every week,” Chase Briscoe said. “Every single race, every single lap will have more importance.”

The 2026 NASCAR season gets underway with “The Clash” at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 1st and the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15th.