Overview
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. called the 2014–2025 format gimmicky and said the return to a long-form points race makes him want to follow every week.
- Under the updated system, the field resets after Race 26 with the top 16 in regular-season points advancing and no automatic win-and-you're-in berths.
- Wins will pay more under the new scoring, reported as rising from 40 to 55 points, increasing incentive to race for victories.
- Chase Elliott characterized the change as a compromise that rewards both winning and steady points days, with stage points remaining part of the mix.
- Tyler Reddick’s crew chief Billy Scott said the format puts greater emphasis on running well every week, with the 10-race Chase proceeding without eliminations.