What’s Happening?

During a recent episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. confirmed that NASCAR continues to discuss possible changes to its championship format. His comments reignited a longstanding debate among fans. When asked about the potential return of a full-season championship format, Earnhardt responded:

“It’s not off the table entirely. There is a very tiny percent chance of actually happening, but it is on the conversation.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr

(Statement made at approximately the 28:40 mark of the episode)

This acknowledgment confirms that NASCAR continues to work on revisions despite the current system’s relative stability, as it has been untouched since 2017.

Evolution of the Playoff Format

The current playoff model results from multiple adjustments since 2004, when NASCAR abandoned the traditional full-season points system, known as the “Winston Format,” in favor of a postseason structure. Below is a brief timeline of the significant format changes since its introduction in 2004:

2004–2006: The Original Chase

• Top 10 in points after 26 races qualified for the postseason.
• Points reset after race 26, with a descending bonus scale from 50 points (1st) to 5 points (10th).
• Most points in the final 10 races decided the champion.

2007–2010: Expansion and Win Bonuses

• Top 12 in points advanced.
• 5-point bonuses awarded per win during the regular season.
• No additional bonuses for regular season rank.
• Most points in the final 10 races decided the champion.

2011–2013: Points Overhaul and Wildcards

• Points awarding changed; maximum in a race reduced from 195 to 40 per race.
• Top 10 in points plus 2 wildcards (most wins inside the top 20) advanced.
• 5-point win bonuses continued.
• Most points in the final 10 races decided the champion.

2014 – 2016: Introduction of Elimination Format

• Top 16 drivers qualified based on wins and points.
• Knockout rounds (16, 12, 8) with resets to zero after each round.
• Championship race: four finalists, highest finisher wins the title.
• “Win and you’re in” implemented.

2017 – Present: Playoff Points and Stage Racing

• The same elimination structure remains.
• Stages and playoff points are introduced, awarded during the regular season, and carried through the rounds (except the final).
• Designed to increase regular season value and reward consistent performance.
• Maximum points in a race increases from 40 to 60 (61 in 2025 due to the fastest lap award)

The Current System Explained

The existing format features a ten-race postseason with 16 drivers. It is divided into four rounds: the Round of 16, the Round of 12, the Round of 8, and the Championship 4. Drivers are eliminated after each round. The final race at Phoenix determines the champion, with the highest finisher among the final four drivers winning the title. The structure’s intent is to create a playoff atmosphere, heighten competition, and maximize viewer interest through the end of the season.

Why the Format Faces Scrutiny

The most frequent criticism is the weight placed on the final race. A driver may dominate the season statistically but lose the championship due to a single poor result in the finale. Conversely, a driver with lower season-long performance can win the title by delivering in a limited number of races.

This criticism intensified after Joey Logano’s 2024 championship run. Despite winning four races, Logano’s season included only six top-five finishes (11th most), 13 top-ten finishes (13th most), and an average finish of 17.1 (13th best). Many fans viewed this as evidence that the format does not reliably produce a champion reflective of the season’s overall performance. Logano’s 2024 season is considered by many as “the worst season by a champion in the history of motorsports.”

This case is not isolated, however, as other examples include:

• Kevin Harvick in 2020 missed the Championship 4 despite winning nine races.
• Ryan Newman in 2014 nearly won the title without any race wins and with subpar stats.
• Kyle Busch winning the 2015 championship despite missing 11 races.
• Jimmie Johnson in 2016 entered the final race 10th in regular season points, but still won the championship.
• Chase Elliott in 2020 won the title while Hamlin and Harvick dominated the year.
• Kyle Larson in 2021, who nearly lost after a dominant year.
• The three consecutive Penske championships

Drivers have also voiced their frustration:

“These championships aren’t won how Earnhardt and Petty used to win them anymore, it doesn’t matter.”
– Kevin Harvick

“You’re just watering this down more. Stop making it easier, make it harder.”
Denny Hamlin

Fan Reactions and Demand for Change

A large segment of the fanbase continues to advocate for a return to a cumulative points system, arguing that it more accurately reflects season-long performance. The 2024 season appears to have pushed that sentiment even further, with widespread backlash following Logano’s title run. Comments on social media show evident frustration with the format.

Proposed Alternatives

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and others have gone through various alternatives. On the podcast, he stated:

“Let’s change it all, I’m all for it. I think the drivers are going to enjoy some of this stuff as much as the fans are. I’ve had drivers come to me and say they want to win these things [championships] like they used to…”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt Jr.’s suggested format includes:

• A 30-race regular season.
• A six-race playoff segment.
• Four drivers qualify for the playoffs.
• The driver with the most points in the final six races becomes the champion.

This proposal aims to restore the value of every race while maintaining a playoff structure. In his view, intensity should begin from the first race of the season, at Daytona, not just during the final stretch.

Other suggestions proposed by drivers, fans, and analysts include:

• Reverting to a full-season points system.
• Implementing a partial reset that preserves regular-season performance entering the final race.
• Reducing the number of drivers eligible for the title during the final races.
• Replacing the single championship race with a multi-race championship “round.”

NASCAR’s Position

NASCAR officials have acknowledged ongoing discussions and confirmed the existence of a committee focused on the championship format. Any changes would likely take effect starting with the 2026 season. While executives have indicated that eliminating the playoff system entirely is unlikely, they appear open to adjusting its structure to address the current issues.

The key challenge remains balancing competitive integrity, fan satisfaction, entertainment, and sponsor expectations. The current model aligns NASCAR with other U.S. sports leagues, emphasizing postseason drama. However, it also introduces randomness that can undermine season-long performance, leading many to defend the idea that playoffs do not belong in motorsports.

Conclusion

The debate over NASCAR’s championship format remains active among drivers, fans, and media. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s comments confirm that the subject is being considered at the industry’s highest levels. While no changes have been announced, the community’s pressure ensures the conversation will continue. As the sport seeks to shift in a competitive and commercial landscape, how it crowns its champion remains one of the most critical topics for its future.

How should NASCAR crown its champion? What is your format suggestion? Join the conversation on Discord or X, and remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more updates.