Jeff Burton Defends NBC Amidst Playoff Debate | New NASCAR/IndyCar Doubleheader | Power Rankings

Phoenix Raceway is about to make history with a massive crossover weekend in 2026. NASCAR and IndyCar will share the spring Phoenix date, with open-wheel on Saturday and the Cup Series on Sunday. It’s a bold move that brings the two biggest U.S. motorsports together again, and it might have deeper implications than just fan excitement. At the same time, the playoff format debate is reaching a boiling point, with NASCAR’s playoff committee closing in on major changes that could reshape the championship fight for years to come.

• Why is Fox pushing so hard for early-season cross-promotion, and what could that mean for the future of shared weekends?
• Could NASCAR use this IndyCar doubleheader as ammo in their ongoing legal battles with teams over scheduling?
• Is the one-race championship finale finally on its way out, and how much weight does NBC really carry in that decision?
• Are fans truly split on playoffs, or is social media outrage louder than the reality at the track?

The crossover at Phoenix feels like a big win for motorsports fans, but it also hints at the bigger tug-of-war happening behind the scenes. NASCAR’s billion-dollar TV deals, the committee’s looming decision, and the question of whether the “Chase” or “Playoffs” really define the sport’s identity are all converging at once. With major names like Jeff Burton and Mark Martin weighing in, the stakes for 2026 have never felt higher.

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