NASCAR Still Undecided On New Format | 2026 TV Schedule Revealed | Short Track Package Testing

NASCAR isn’t slowing down this offseason. Between the release of next year’s start times, a major Bristol test with higher horsepower, and the ongoing mystery surrounding the 2026 championship format, there’s a lot for fans to digest right now. While the new schedule looks familiar on the surface, the details—and what’s still missing—are where the real story lies.

• How big is NASCAR’s short track test at Bristol, and could it finally fix the short track problem?
• Why are three straight summer night races a quiet win for fans and teams?
• What does the new TV lineup mean for races buried on cable—and what does it say about NASCAR’s priorities?
• And most importantly, why hasn’t the 2026 championship format been finalized yet, and could the “Chase” actually make a comeback?

Eric digs into Mike Forde’s latest comments about the still-undecided title format, the concerns voiced by Steve O’Donnell and Justin Marks, and how NASCAR might balance excitement with legitimacy going forward. Between nostalgia for the old Chase era and the push for a fairer championship system, the next two months could reshape how a champion is crowned. Watch to see what NASCAR’s next big move might be, and where Eric stands on the future of the sport. Then jump into the comments and share what you think the 2026 format should look like.

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