Chase Elliott Supports New NASCAR Playoff Format, Calls It a Better Fit

Chase Elliott supports new NASCAR playoff format changes as discussions circulate among officials regarding a possible revision to the current postseason structure. The Hendrick Motorsports driver praised a proposed alteration he believes would better determine a deserving champion in upcoming NASCAR seasons.

Elliott Favors 3-3-4 Playoff Structure for NASCAR

As speculation grows about the future of NASCAR’s postseason, Elliott has publicly endorsed a format that would feature two rounds with three races each, followed by a final round consisting of four races to crown the series champion. This adjustment would replace the existing 3-3-3-1 system, which sees three competitors eliminated after each of the first three rounds, narrowing the field before the final race.

According to Elliott, this potential structure would provide more opportunities for drivers to showcase their consistency and avoid elimination due to factors beyond their control. As he stated at Bristol Motor Speedway,

“I think it would be better than what we have,”

—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver. He highlighted how increasing the number of decisive races could prevent unforeseen incidents from completely derailing a contender’s championship aspirations, adding,

“It would seemingly give an opportunity to have something that’s totally out of somebody’s hands not completely derail their championship day … their shot at Phoenix (the current season finale, although it will move to Homestead-Miami Speedway next year).”

—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver.

Although Elliott sees room for improvement in the proposed system, he remains optimistic. As the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott and a former Cup champion himself, he brings experience to the discussion. He continued,

“Is it perfect? Probably not, but I would say that it sounds better (than the current format),”

—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver. Elliott previously won the NASCAR Cup in 2020 and has since faced challenges, including injuries and missing key races, affecting his subsequent playoff runs.

Elliott’s Preference for the Traditional Points System

While Elliott supports the new 3-3-4 format, he has also expressed nostalgia for the older approach to determining the champion. During a media appearance at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis two months ago, Elliott shared a preference for eliminating playoffs altogether and returning to a structure where the champion is the driver with the most points accumulated over the full season. He explained,

“The system would be just fine if you just had a full season (and no playoffs,”

—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver. He argued for recognizing dominance over an entire schedule, saying,

“And if somebody runs away with it, so what? Let’s celebrate the fact that somebody ran away with it, that somebody was just that good.”

—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver.

Emphasizing the unique culture of the sport, Elliott added,

“Motorsports does not have to be like everybody else to be successful. And I’ll stand by that till I get done (retires).”

—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Driver. Despite these sentiments, he acknowledges that a return to the old points-based system is unlikely given the modern direction of NASCAR.

NASCAR’s Future and Elliott’s Perspective on Proposed Changes

As NASCAR considers evolving its playoff setup, officials and drivers such as Chase Elliott continue to weigh the merits of possible changes. With the upcoming season finale shifting to Homestead-Miami Speedway after years at Phoenix, the sport’s governing bodies and leading competitors remain engaged in reviewing systems that ensure fairness and excitement for both drivers and fans. Judging by Elliott’s input, any changes will aim to balance tradition with the unpredictable challenges intrinsic in a long racing season, while giving contenders an improved chance at the championship.

Should NASCAR opt for the 3-3-4 postseason format or devise other modifications, the debate will likely persist among teams, fans, and industry leaders over the best way to crown a champion. For now, Elliott’s perspective adds staunch support for reform, ensuring that key voices such as his, and those linked to organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, are heard as the sport’s structure evolves.