When NASCAR revealed the 2026 Cup Series schedule on Wednesday, no changes to the current Playoff format were included. However, discussions with drivers, fans and even computer simulations are being factored into any possible decisions.
It’s been no secret there is a growing dislike for the current Playoff system. The format theoretically allows a driver very low in the points the opportunity to win a race and knock out a non-winning driver slotted into the top 16 Championship eligible positions.
Talks Have Been Happening
During the schedule release Zoom with media, NASCAR’s Ben Kennedy was asked if the format to crown a champion could change.
“It’s not yet,” said Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice president and chief venue & racing innovation officer. “I know the playoff committee has had a number of meetings over the past several months on different formats that we could look at. They’ve run a handful of simulations on just various formats and collected some fan feedback.
“I know there are conversations as early as a couple days ago on what the future of the playoff format looks like. Nothing to announce today.”
Kennedy wants to make sure if any changes take place, they are done with a consideration to the sport’s future.
“What I would say, though, is we want to make sure that we take the time to do it right,” he added. “That we collect as much information as we can, and hopefully whatever this new format is, if there is a new format, it’s something that will last a long time.
“We want to be thoughtful and diligent about it, make sure we make the right decisions and moves and give both our fans and our competitors something that they can be really proud of going forward.
“More to come on that in the future.”
Denny Hamlin Says Now is the Time
“I’ve seen that this whole when the ‘lights are bright, the pressure’ like that seems like it’s a company talking point that PR is pushing,” he said on JRM Podcast, Actions Detrimental. “‘This is what we’re going to say when it comes to crowning a champion.’”
“We have luck involved in our sport more so than any other sport. So that argument doesn’t hold up at all.”
“But realistically, I think the fan base is kind of had enough of it.”
Whatever changes may take place need to be done methodically and not a knee-jerk reaction. However, if any format alterations take place, Hamlin hopes they are done correctly.
“Hopefully, you don’t lose some people in the middle of that road back,” he said. “We can’t be thinking everything is rosy right now. It’s (not), and I don’t think it gets any better over the next few months, folks,”
Hamlin has Vested Interest in Sport’s Future
Hamlin is locked into the 2025 Playoffs via his four wins, which place him as the top seed of 16 drivers who can race for the Championship.
He also co-owns 23XI Racing that has one driver locked in with a victory, and one looking to win or race his way in.
Bubba Wallace drove the team’s No. 23 Toyota to Victory Lane in the Brickyard 400 to secure his post-season place. Sitting in 15th place with an 89-point cushion about the cut line is Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 Toyota team.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NASCAR Playoff Format Changes Being Discussed appeared first on Heavy Sports.