NASCAR’s Search for a New Playoff: What You Need to Know (So Far)
What’s Happening? NASCAR is publicly seeking a new Playoff or even Championship Points system for the future. This story will unfold…
During a recent interview, NASCAR owner/driver Brad Keselowski spoke out against NASCAR’s Playoff format, saying that it needs to “go away” and is “very unhealthy for the sport.”
In this week's 12 Questions interview, @keselowski lists three things to help NASCAR go to the next level:
— Tracks need to find more revenue and events
— Get rid of the playoffs
— New OEMshttps://t.co/75H4XZWAp8— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 16, 2025
While NASCAR has a major meeting regarding the future of its playoff format this week, the conversation both for and against a postseason has not died down.
During this week’s edition of Jeff Gluck of The Athletic’s 13 Questions, Gluck asked RFK Racing Owner and 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski what he thinks would help grow NASCAR. Keseloski responded by saying there are three factors, including the improvement of dulled-down fan experience at race tracks and new OEMs.
But, Keselowski also pointed to NASCAR’s Playoff system (as a whole) as part of the problem, saying “having 10 races that are more important than 20-some others is very unhealthy for the sport.” Brad also said the ten race break off is “demeaning to the other tracks and races” and that the playoffs go into direct competition with other sports, saying, “It’s not working for the sport.”
While there are many critiques of the playoffs, Keselowski’s focus on the business side, and how he believes the system tarnishes certain aspects of the sport, takes a new route, rather than focusing on legitimacy or tradition. Of course, Brad is far from the first driver to speak out against the playoffs this season.
Since Joey Logano’s improbable championship win last fall, the NASCAR playoffs and questions surrounding their long-term viability have been the talk of the town. This dialogue goes beyond the fanbase and into NASCAR, as the sport has assembled a committee to assist in reviewing the system.
While both sides of the argument, playoffs or no playoffs, have their supporters from TV, the fanbase, retired drivers, and the media, the opinions of the drivers, who compete under said format, are often insightful or straight to the point.
For example, Team Penske drivers like Austin Cindric and Joey Logano have supported the winner-take-all finale currently used by NASCAR. But, on the other side, drivers like Chase Elliott, Chris Buescher, and Christopher Bell have all thrown their weight towards a full-season points system.
As of press time NASCAR has yet to announce any changes to the current system, though a return to full season points looks unlikely. We have covered NASCAR’s search for a new championship format in depth via the link below.
What’s Happening? NASCAR is publicly seeking a new Playoff or even Championship Points system for the future. This story will unfold…
What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
