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NASCAR Playoff Committee Has Discussed a Three and Five-Race Playoff Finale

AVONDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 10: (L-R) NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers, William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Chevrolet, Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/RichmondWaterHeater Ford, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Unleashed Toyota, stand onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Kauy Ostlien

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Royal T Grafix

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What’s Happening?

According to a new report, the NASCAR Playoff Committee has discussed several new playoff formats for NASCAR, including a three- and five-race playoff.

  • This report, from playoff committee member Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, claims that the committee, which is not making the final decision and is more of a braintrust of industry members, is looking at a compromise. Specifically, this compromise would see NASCAR expand the final round of the playoffs.
  • While an expansion of the typically one-race final round of the playoffs may not be new information, as several committee members, specifically Gluck and Denny Hamlin, have spoken about it recently, we now have a new look at what that could be. Of course, it includes the three-race final round, often suggested by fans and industry members, a return to the ten-race chase, and even a five-race final round.
  • Gluck goes as far as to suggest that there is a compromise to be found in the ten-race chase by cutting the field five races in, leaving the final five races to determine the champion. “If not a full 10-race playoff, then perhaps a compromise would be having a five-race opening round, one elimination to cut the field in half and then a five-race mini-Chase to determine the champion,” Gluck said.
  • The committee’s discussions seem to focus on finding a compromise between the chaos of an elimination playoff and the credibility that many have felt lost since 2014. Nonetheless, as reported multiple times this week, discussions are on hold until NASCAR speaks with broadcast partner NBC, meaning there is a chance nothing will change for next season, leaving fans waiting another season.

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What Fans Think of NASCAR’s TV Coverage in 2026 (So Far)

by Bryan Aguiar

What’s Happening?

As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season gets underway, The Daily Downforce is once again tracking how fans feel about race broadcasts throughout the year, just as we did last year. This ratings tracker exists to capture fan feedback in a clear, consistent way across the entire season for each TV partner.

How the Tracker Works

After each Cup Series race weekend, we will post a fan poll asking one simple question: “How would you rate this weekend’s Cup Series broadcast?” And fans can vote and comment based on their overall viewing experience. This article will be updated weekly with the most recent race’s numbers added to the tracker.

Where and How to Vote

  • The poll is posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after each race.
  • Fans can vote directly in the poll with just one tap.
  • Replies and quote posts are also monitored to gather more detailed feedback for a separate article after the season is concluded

Participation is quick and open to everyone.

Tracker

WeekNetworkRaceVotesGood | Average | BadSource
1FOXBowman Gray Clash36816% | 43% | 42%Check the Poll HERE
2FOXDaytona 50098942% | 46% | 12%Check the Poll HERE

Latest Poll Results

Remember to follow The Daily Downforce on X to catch each weekly poll, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.

NASCAR Coming to The Crew Motorfest in New Free Update

by Bryan Aguiar

What’s Happening?

A new trailer revealed that NASCAR will be a part of The Crew Motorfest’s upcoming free season 9 update.

  • Ubisoft released a new trailer for The Crew Motorfest’s upcoming Island update, including a brief look at NASCAR racing as part of the new content
  • The NASCAR cars appear at the 1:08 minute mark of the trailer
  • The trailer shows officially licensed NASCAR Next Gen cars racing on an unidentified oval track
  • There are limited details on licenses, teams, drivers, tracks or gameplay mechanics, but the trailer shows the cars of Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Shane van Gisbergen, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain, and Ryan Blaney, all with official paint schemes and sponsors reminiscent of the 2025 season, confirming that the content present will be fully licensed by NASCAR
  • The collaboration is expected to feature a full playlist focused on oval racing disciplines such as drafting and pit strategy
  • Outside of the NASCAR content, Season 9 is likely to introduce a feature for building and sharing of custom tracks, as well as a new RC car playlist featuring miniature-scale racing

Will you be playing The Crew for this new update? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Kyle Busch’s Controversial Last Lap Move | Hamlin Defends Herbst | NASCAR Power Rankings!

by Bryan Aguiar

Denny Hamlin defends Riley Herbst, Brad Keselowski is furious, and Kyle Busch leaves everyone debating what it means to truly compete for a Daytona 500. The final lap at Daytona International Speedway sparked multiple completely different controversies that say a lot about modern superspeedway racing.

  • Was Riley Herbst’s late block just another split-second Daytona gamble, or did he truly cost Keselowski a legitimate shot at the win?
  • Is Denny Hamlin right to defend his driver publicly, even while admitting the wreck was on Herbst?
  • Did Kyle Busch make a savvy veteran points play by bailing out of the draft on the white flag?
  • Does backing out of the lead pack signal frustration, maybe even a bigger-picture mindset shift?

At superspeedways, instinct rules everything. Herbst reacted late, Keselowski paid the price, and Hamlin backed his guy. Meanwhile, Busch lifted from 25th, avoided the wreck, and gained ten spots, a move that looks smart in hindsight but could have backfired badly. In a new points-heavy format, are drivers thinking differently? We break down both moments, what they really mean, and whether everyone involved might actually have a point. Plus, early Cup Series power rankings to wrap it up.

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