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2h ago

NASCAR Revives 10-Race 'Chase' Points Format for 2026 Championships

The move aims to reward season-long performance through cumulative scoring, elevated win points and a reseeded cushion for the points leader.

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NASCAR - NASCAR Cup Series Mexico - Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico - June 15, 2025 NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell and Commissioner Steve Phelps ahead of the race REUTERS/Carlos Perez Gallardo/File Photo
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Overview

  • Beginning in 2026, champions will be determined by who scores the most points over the final 10 races, with no eliminations or one-race title decider.
  • The Cup field will be the top 16 after 26 regular-season races, reseeded to 2,100 points for the leader, 2,075 for second, 2,065 for third, and down by fives to 2,000 for 16th.
  • Race wins will be worth 55 points (up from 40), while points for other finishing positions and stage points remain unchanged.
  • Automatic playoff berths for race winners and the 'Championship 4' format are removed as NASCAR rebrands the postseason as 'The Chase.'
  • The structure applies across series: O’Reilly Auto Parts (12 drivers over nine races) and Craftsman Trucks (10 over seven), with the 2026 finale set for Nov. 8 at Homestead‑Miami Speedway.