Did NASCAR Just Leak The New Championship System?

Did NASCAR just leak its 2026 championship format? A wild rumor caught fire after Mike Forde’s comments on Door Bumper Clear seemed to suggest a brand-new setup was coming — but was this really a slip-up or just another case of fans jumping to conclusions? Between talk of a 32-race regular season, a short four-race playoff, and the possible end of the “win and you’re in” rule, this story has spiraled fast.

• Did Mike Forde actually confirm a new format, or was it all taken out of context?
• Could NASCAR really move away from the one-race, winner-take-all finale?
• Is the “win and you’re in” era about to end after a decade of controversy?
• And is the traditional full-season championship suddenly gaining real momentum again?

This debate has divided fans for years, but now it feels closer than ever to an actual crossroads. Whether NASCAR goes back to its roots or doubles down on its playoff DNA, the next few months could define how the sport crowns its champion for years to come. So what direction should they take? Watch the full video to see all the theories, fan reactions, and what insiders like Bob Pockrass are hinting might actually happen.

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