When NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass speaks, fans tend to listen. But his latest take on the NASCAR Playoffs has sparked more backlash than agreement.
In a column posted this week, Bob Pockrass made it clear he doesn’t want nascar to scrap its playoff format entirely.
“Get rid of the one-race championship? Sure. Reward those who’ve had more consistent, strong runs throughout the year rather than rewarding drivers for winning one race? Sure,” he wrote. “But to just scrap the whole concept of playoffs? That seems like a step backward instead of just a step back into the way NASCAR crowned a champion.”
Why Bob Pockrass Says the NASCAR Playoffs Work
Bob Pockrass reminded fans that nascar has used some version of a playoff-style format for the past 22 years, starting with the “Chase” in 2004. That system came about after Matt Kenseth clinched the championship early despite having only one win that season.
Since then, the NASCAR Playoffs have evolved, partly due to Jimmie Johnson’s dominance with five straight titles from 2006–2010, and in 2014, NASCAR adopted the current elimination system, with four drivers battling for the championship in the final race.
While many criticize the “winner-take-all” nature of the finale, Bob Pockrass defended the bigger picture: “With playoffs, more drivers get talked about when it comes to the second half of the season and the possibility of them winning the championship. More teams are in the conversation, and their sponsors get a little more TV airtime.”
He also argued that the system forces drivers to race for wins rather than points. “The best thing about the current system is that it encourages drivers to win and not settle for a good points day,” Bob Pockrass wrote.
NASCAR Fans Want Something Different
Still, not everyone is on board. Many nascar fans pushed back immediately, saying the playoff system itself, not just the one-race championship, is the problem. Some called for NASCAR to return to the traditional 36-race points season, where consistency is rewarded and the champion is crowned based on year-long performance.
Supporters of that view often point to IndyCar, where champions like Alex Palou have clinched titles before the season finale. While anticlimactic, fans argue it proves that people will still watch even if the championship isn’t decided at the last possible moment.
But Bob Pockrass countered, “The 36-race points season screams old school. It screams grassroots. But it could also silence the screams of fans cheering for their favorite driver way earlier in the season than it does now, with a playoff system. The more screams, the better. Keep the playoffs.”
This Is What NASCAR Fans Are Saying
Bryan Blackford, “The best thing about the current system is that it encourages drivers to win and not settle for a good points day.” Disagree, sorry Bob.
“More drivers get talked about when it comes to the second half of the season and the possibility of them winning the championship.” This is a major problem. Halfway through the season, we should be down to 10~ guys worthy of being in that conversation.”
Barry Gadbois also has this to say, “You’re spot on here, Bob. Don’t let the mob on X seem like it’s some real sample of the fan base. I’d like to see a 1 round wild card race and then a 3-3-3 finish to the playoffs. But tweaking is the right call, and I think @NASCAR knows it.”
“This couldn’t be farther from the truth. I listened to a crew chief tell his driver… ‘5th place means nothing, we just need to advance to the next round.’ Every race matters in a 36-race format, unlike today.” Family Man (Dave) also added his opinion.
“Respectfully & Simply no. Any reset means each race doesn’t have the same weight. & The race itself is always paramount. Stewart was known to heat up when the summer heat & tracks were slick. If he had a crap start, you’d watch that rise/recovery. Any Reset diminishes those heroics.” RedneckJed stated.
What’s Next for the Playoffs System?
The debate over the NASCAR Playoffs versus a full-season points system has grown louder in recent months, with drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. hinting that officials are at least reconsidering the old-school approach.
For now, Bob Pockrass’ position is clear: keep the drama alive, tweak the finale, but don’t throw out the NASCAR Playoffs altogether. Fans, though, seem far from convinced.
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