Overview

• Mike Forde told his Hauler Talk podcast that NASCAR is comfortable deferring any major playoff format change from 2026 to 2027 due to tight scheduling and the need for thorough vetting.
• The Playoff Committee, formed after Joey Logano’s controversial 2024 title, has met several times but remains on hold pending private input from NBC Sports, which contributes $1.1 billion annually in media rights.
• Discussion topics have included extending the championship round to multiple races, shrinking the field from 16 to 12 drivers, carrying points through elimination rounds, and a potential return to full-season scoring.
• Hall of Famer Mark Martin’s poll and similar surveys showed about 60% of fans favor a full-season points model, prompting NASCAR to launch its own fan council survey before final decisions.
• Opinions remain split within the sport, with drivers Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski decrying the elimination style for undermining consistency and team owner Richard Childress defending its entertainment value.