The NASCAR 2026 playoff format is already stirring debate as the sport prepares for major changes next season. The current setup puts 16 drivers into the playoffs through wins or points, then moves them through three rounds before a one-race title showdown. While this approach creates significant, high-pressure moments, it has also been questioned for eliminating top drivers after a single poor race.
With NASCAR planning adjustments for 2026, journalists Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck of The Athletic compare what has worked, what hasn’t, and what could make the next system stronger. Their discussion centered on past formats, fan understanding, and how to strike a balance between excitement and fairness as the sport enters a new chapter.
Bianchi Focuses on Longer, Clearer Playoff Paths
Jordan Bianchi narrowed his ideas to two NASCAR 2026 playoff formats. “I got it down to two formats. It’s either the 10-race ‘Chase’ (a single playoff round, 10 races long) or it’s (two rounds of five races each),” he said. His main belief is that the championship should not be decided by one event. “I do want to see a championship decided by a longer runway than just a race. I think four races is good, five is great, but if you want to go back to the old 10, I’m OK with that.”
Bianchi also explained how drivers should qualify. He wants wins to matter, but not overpower the points system. “I like that winning a regular-season race carries the bonus of getting in the playoffs. I am going to go with the top 10 in points automatically gets you in, whether you win a race or not. Then you get two wild cards (for) the (two other race winners, highest in points).”
He believes this approach rewards steady performance while still giving value to winning races during the regular season.
Gluck Pushes Back on Win-and-In and Points to Full-Season Strength
Jeff Gluck agreed that top performers should be protected, especially in a Chase-style format.
“I understand what you’re saying for the ‘win and you’re in,’ but I don’t think that would work (for the Chase format). So I agree with your top 10 points (are in). Because if you were going to do a Chase, you can’t have your 30th-place guy that won a Daytona race, because you know he’s just going to finish last (in the Chase). It’s just going to take up a spot, and it’s going to be a totally irrelevant storyline.”
Gluck added that he still believes a full-season championship has value. “I’m going to stump here for (a full-season points race to determine the champion),” he said, though he noted there is hesitation within the industry: “There’s got to be some kind of playoff. And so that gives me pause, and I tend to go, well, maybe I should pursue a compromise of the 10-race Chase and all that.”
Finding a Middle Ground for NASCAR’s Future
Bianchi pointed out that the 10-race Chase is simple for new fans to follow. “If the idea is to simplify the playoffs and make it easy for a non-fan to come in, I think the 10-race Chase is probably the most straightforward way to do that.” He also said a full-season format can sometimes lead to predictable results: “The (season-long format) more often than not is going to come down to a championship between two or three organizations.”
Gluck remembered the old Chase years and shared that they weren’t perfect. “I was around for the entire 10-race Chase (era, from 2004-16) and it’s not like things were going so great there either.” He talked about how a season-long battle can build storylines: “We have no consistent thread that winds between the season and holds it all together.”
Their exchange shows that NASCAR’s challenge is finding a system that is fair, easy to follow, and strong enough to keep fans watching from start to finish.
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