Overview
- NASCAR’s playoff committee has finished its work and handed feedback to leadership, with Mike Forde saying an announcement could come in weeks or months but will land before the Clash.
- Reporting indicates the single‑race, winner‑take‑all finale used from 2014–2025 is effectively over, though the exact replacement has not been finalized.
- Options under discussion include reviving a 10‑race Chase or an elimination format ending with an eight‑driver, four‑race points chase, with a full season points model not ruled out.
- President Steve O’Donnell has emphasized a model that ensures a driver who excelled all year has a clear path to the title while still rewarding race wins.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Steve O’Donnell indicated similar changes are expected for Xfinity and Trucks, as fan frustration and an ongoing antitrust case add pressure to the timeline.