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Why NASCAR Fans are Revolting Against the Latest 2026 Playoff News

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 05: A detail view of "PLAYOFFS" track stencil during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 05, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images

Kauy Ostlien

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Royal T Grafix

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What’s Happening?

NASCAR fans aren’t pleased with the latest news about NASCAR’s points system, but what is this news, and why is it leading NASCAR fans to express shared displeasure?

Throughout the 2026 NASCAR season, the sport openly and publicly reviewed its current playoff system.

The system, which divides the series season into a period of 26 races, the regular season and 10 races split into four rounds with a single race deciding the champion, the playoffs, was nothing new to fans. However, after fans showed their dissatisfaction with Joey Logano’s improbable 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship win, tensions over the system boiled over.

This led to the possibility of NASCAR tweaking the system for the first time since the single race championship was introduced in 2014. While NASCAR made it clear this was not a promise, they did assemble a committee of industry members to review the system and suggest changes.

From there, committee members shared updates about the meetings and expressed the growing support for the full 36 race points system NASCAR utilized until 2003 throughout the season. As the year tailed off, it looked clear that NASCAR would, at the very least, do away with the single race championship.

Options, Options, Options

With NASCAR likely leaning away from the controversial format, fans figured it would land in one of three camps.

First was a rumored “3-3-4” playoff that would retain some principles of the 2014 single-race format, but with three rounds, rather than four, and one round of four races to decide a champion. This method meets the often-spoken-of criteria that a new system must have multiple races decide the champion, but disappoints traditionalists.

Second is a variation of a 10-race chase, which NASCAR utilized from 2004 to 2013. This system was the original playoff format, which saw groups of 10 to 12 drivers broken off and reset in points for the 10 final races of the season. Even though this is a playoff format, fans, including some traditionalists, like the nostalgia and simplicity of this system.

Finally, there is the full-season points system. This is the one that many fans appreciate for its traditional aspect, despite flaws such as drivers seeking consistency or winning the title before the final race. Many supporters of the 36-race system also support a modified version that prioritizes winning over pure consistency, an often-cited issue with the original system.

While NASCAR faces a major decision this offseason, fans’ questions may not have an answer for some time, as most reports indicate that NASCAR will announce the format later rather than sooner. But what is the latest news on the direction NASCAR is headed?

The Return of the Playoffs

Thursday night, Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal reported that NASCAR informed select team owners prior to the championship race at Phoenix that a playoff system would be the “most likely” outcome of this year’s extensive review of its championship system.

In response, fans online revolted against this idea, with users like @GTP_Dylan_GTP citing the numerous fan polls that support the full-season points. Although these polls do not represent all NASCAR fans, they provide a glimpse into the mindset of those most actively engaged in NASCAR conversations online.

Others, like @patrickstarr42, expressed disappointment with waiting all year for another playoff system to be the outcome, saying, “We all went through Phoenix and they are going to look at us with a straight face and say the playoffs are staying?”

Nonetheless, some individuals appear to be confused by this development, despite Stern’s indication that it could be “some sort of playoff with revisions.”

So, perhaps this could include the highly requested removal of the win and in rule in the final race championship, or even the removal of something like playoff points. Some users even speculated that NASCAR could be using the playoff name on a 10-race chase.

Nonetheless, the response to this report has not been entirely negative, with users like @Jacob_J_Nelson expressing interest in a ten-race Chase or even the rumored 3-3-4 format:

“While I didn’t mind the one race championship, I’d be fine with a 10 race Chase or even the 3-3-4 format thrown out there. I could accept a season long title, but would probably tune out late if the point spread is great.”

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Safety Culture Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas on February 28, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

O’Reilly: SVG Wins at COTA

by Cody Williams

What’s Happening?

The checkered flag is out for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competitors at COTA, and it was Shane van Gisbergen who was left standing tall at the end of the race. His 5th career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory, it was his first at the track.

  • The opening stage was dominated by the JRM duo of Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen with the No. 1 of Zilisch looking to be the stronger of the two early on. Prior to the end of the stage, both short-pitted, making a long-term play for the win. SVG still managed to end the stage in 10th.
  • Austin Hill stayed out after a disappointing showing in Atlanta last week to collect some stage points. Also running strong in the first stage were Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, Brandon Jones, and Jesse Love.
  • Despite not being in his usual ride, Carson Kvapil was very competitive in his DGM No. 91 Chevy. Granted, the car was prepared by JR Motorsports ahead of this race, but it was DGM guys running the show. They did an admirable job, bringing the car home in the 19th position after falling off late. He’ll have 5 more starts in the car later this year to fill out the remainder of his schedule.
  • The second stage belonged to Sam Mayer. Finishing 2nd in the first stage and winning Stage 2, he had a mighty good points day today. Meanwhile, his former teammate Justin Allgaier also had a strong finish in stage 2. That’s a promising sign, considering his heartbreaks in Daytona and Atlanta, respectively.
  • Connor Zilisch had far from a perfect race today. Sure, he led a bulk of the opening stage, but mechanical issues plagued him later in the race. Extra time on pit road making repairs put him behind the 8 ball in Stage 2. This put the race firmly in the hands of SVG. He did manage to battle back to the top 5 before he was dumped by Corey Day and the controversy around that driver continues to build. Zilisch brought it home in 21st with significant damage.
  • With Connor Zilisch’s issues, it was more or less a cakewalk for Shane van Gisbergen in the JRM No. 9. He went on to win, scoring his 5th career win in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He has an opportunity to sweep the weekend. He starts tomorrow’s Cup race in the 13th position.

Race Results

Caution Tracker
  • Lap 20: End of Stage 1
  • Lap 35: Baltazar Leguizamon spins
  • Lap 40: End of Stage 2
  • Lap 57: Sage Karam

Points Standings

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Safety Culture Chevrolet, Connor Zilisch, driver of the #1 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet, and Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas on February 28, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

O’Reilly: Mid-Race Report, It’s the Zilisch and SVG Show!

by Cody Williams

What’s Happening?

The first two stages are in the books for the stars of tomorrow in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at COTA. Predictably, Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen dominated the first two stages. As they short-pitted at the end of each stage, Austin Hill and Sam Mayer both went to collect stage wins, respectively. Here are the key takeaways from the race so far.

  • Austin Hill, after a disappointing finish to last week’s race in Atlanta following being sent by Ross Chastain, won the opening stage of the race. This was, of course, after Connor Zilisch and SVG short pitted, playing the long game for the win. Zilisch led a bulk of the opening stage, leading 12 of the opening 20 laps. On pit road, SVG managed to leapfrog Zilisch for the would-be race lead.
  • The only incident to note in the opening stage was when Jeremy Clements got off course. The caution did not fly, and he finished the stage in the 30th position.
  • Key drivers earning stage points in the opening stage include Austin Hill (10), Sam Mayer (9), Justin Allgaier (8), Brandon Jones (7), Jesse Love (6), Carson Kvapil (5), Corey Day (4), and Rajah Caruth (2).
  • The second stage wasn’t quite as cut and dry as the first. While battling for the lead, Connor Zilisch overdrove a corner, making an uncharacteristic mistake. He went over the radio to complain that it felt like his car was pulling to the right, an indication of a possible issue with his left side brakes.
  • There was a late caution in the stage as Baltazar Leguizamón suffered a brake failure and plowed hard into the tire barrier. He was okay but this effectively ended his day. SVG and Connor Zilisch both came down pit road during this caution. Zilisch had a slow stop as his No. 1 crew started to check out the right side of the car for potential brake problems. Sam Mayer went on to win the stage.
  • Earning stage points in the second stage were Sam Mayer (10), Justin Allgaier (9), Carson Kvapil (8), Jesse Love (7), Austin Hill (5), Sammy Smith (4), Brandon Jones (3), and Ryan Sieg (1).

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 28: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 Safety Culture Chevrolet, and Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, lead the field during the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas on February 28, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

What to Keep an Eye on in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at COTA

by Cody Williams

What’s Happening?

The NASCAR Saturday Double-Header continues with O’Reilly Auto Parts Series action from Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Here’s what you need to look out for and what to expect in today’s race.

  • Road course heavy hitters, Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, are in the field today. You know what that means: another slobber knocker of a race between them as everyone else struggles to keep up. And, you guessed it: they both are starting on the front row with Zilisch claiming the pole in his No. 1 JRM Chevy. SVG is driving the No. 9.
  • Since Zilisch is in the No. 1, Carson Kvapil has been demoted to the No. 91 of DGM Racing. While the car is prepared by JR Motorsports, it won’t be his usual pit crew. Rather, his crew is made up entirely of DGM employees. So, there are a lot of unknowns for him heading into today’s race. He’s starting 6th.
  • Speaking of JRM, Rajah Caruth turned some heads in the first two races of this season. How will he fare on a road course? That No. 88 team is used to winning on these types of tracks. Keep an eye on him. Caruth is rolling off 19th.
  • Austin Hill bounces back after a disappointing finish last week in Atlanta, thanks to the ruthless bumper of Ross Chastain. He’s rolling off in the 3rd position.
  • Coverage for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at COTA begins at 3 PM EST on the CW.

Starting Lineup

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