Brad Keselowski playoff format criticism has intensified in the aftermath of the Charlotte Roval race, with the veteran driver warning that the current 10-race elimination structure undermines NASCAR’s legacy and passion. The 2012 Cup Series champion made his frustration public just as TV ratings for the 2025 playoffs revealed a decline compared to past years, fueling an urgent debate about the sport’s direction.
Keselowski’s Strong Rejection of the Playoff Structure
Brad Keselowski, who has experienced both the traditional full-season points championship and the modern playoff elimination model, is among the format’s harshest critics. Earlier this week, he expressed clear dissatisfaction with how NASCAR’s championship is currently decided.
“The whole playoff thing has to go away. The nuance of having 10 races that are more important than 20-some others is very unhealthy for the sport. It’s demeaning to the other tracks and races.”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver.
After witnessing the high-stakes chaos of the Charlotte Roval, Keselowski doubled down, highlighting deeper concerns about the sport’s values and presentation.
“Clear as day, not enough talk about winning and winners (star power) but covering 15th for known elimination is easier for media storylines. Fans are voting with their eyeballs and it’s definitively a net loss for the sport vs full season format. Now is the time to fix this.”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver.
Keselowski’s remarks come in the wake of a dramatic Roval finale that saw Joey Logano and Ross Chastain fight for every point, while Shane van Gisbergen captured a dominant win. Despite his record-setting fifth consecutive road course victory this season, van Gisbergen’s performance has not done enough to satisfy traditionalists who question how victory is valued under the current system.
Charlotte Roval’s Intense Drama Raises Old Debates
The Bank of America Roval 400 provided the sort of tension the elimination playoffs were designed to produce. On the last lap, Ross Chastain collided with Denny Hamlin at the finish line in a desperate effort to avoid elimination, a scene that left fans and drivers debating what matters more: race winners like Shane van Gisbergen or those barely scraping by to advance. Joey Logano, one of the sport’s high-profile figures and a beneficiary of the existing structure, advanced to the Round of 8 after a heart-pounding transfer battle.
Logano, who has secured his three NASCAR Cup Series titles under the playoff system, defended its merits following the race.
“The playoffs create drama. It creates storylines. It creates awesome moments like that. I don’t understand what people don’t like about it. I really don’t get it. And if you’re one of those people who say the regular season doesn’t matter, playoff points don’t matter — one point would have been the difference there… If you don’t have cutoff races and things like that, what are you even talking about today? How Shane waxed everyone’s b*tt? That’s what you want? I’m just saying, this playoff format is wicked.”
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver.
Fans and Ratings Reflect Frustrations with Playoff System
A growing segment of fans, along with respected voices like Dale Jr., have joined Keselowski in calling out the playoff model. NASCAR’s latest tweaks to the format have done little to stifle controversy, especially as talks unfold about potential changes for the 2026 championship. Some proposals even suggest reducing the number of contenders and adding more knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Keselowski’s argument that
“fans are voting with their eyeballs”
is echoed in recent TV data, which show the 2025 playoffs attracting 300,000 to 400,000 fewer viewers than in 2024—a decline that can’t be ignored by NASCAR executives.
The ongoing dissatisfaction revolves around the perception that the current layout prioritizes drama and survival over celebrating race dominance and consistent excellence. Keselowski, who missed this year’s playoffs after RFK Racing failed to meet the cutoff, sees the format as detrimental for both established stars and rising talent, and argues that the shift away from the older season-long competition has damaged the prestige of many classic races and historic tracks.
Inside the Bank of America Roval 400: Keselowski’s Difficult Race
Brad Keselowski entered the Roval weekend under immense pressure and started 22nd. He quickly advanced to fourth by lap 16, running closely behind Chris Buescher, Tyler Reddick, and Bubba Wallace. Despite showing strong pace initially, his fortunes soured as the event progressed. Mechanical issues on lap 91 forced him to slow dramatically on the backstretch, eventually taking him out of the race for good with no caution flag. Keselowski did not regain the lead and finished well behind the front-runners, watching as drivers like Shane van Gisbergen, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell led the hunt up front.
This difficult outing for the No. 6 Ford driver underscored the frustrations that have built up across the season, as mechanical bad luck and the playoff structure combined to leave a former champion on the outside.
The Road Forward: Daytona’s Dilemma and NASCAR’s Pivotal Choice
As the sport contemplates its future, discussions about amending the championship format remain heated. Dale Jr. is among those championing a return to the enduring full-season points system, which was set aside after 2003. NASCAR leadership, represented by figures like Mike Forde, has indicated that significant changes are once again on the table following this year’s Phoenix race—potentially ushering in a new Chase-style model or a revised playoff final.
The debate over how best to crown a champion has grown increasingly tense as stakeholders weigh tradition, entertainment, driver safety, and fan engagement. Whether NASCAR sticks with its controversial playoff system or retraces its steps toward season-long consistency will influence the fate of drivers, tracks, and the sport’s ability to attract dedicated followers in the years ahead. The scrutiny brought by Brad Keselowski playoff format criticism ensures that all eyes remain on the decisions NASCAR will make moving forward.
Clear as day, Not enough talk about winning and winners (star power) but covering 15th for known elimination is easier for media storylines.
Fans are voting with their eyeballs and it’s definitively a Net loss for the sport vs full season format. Now is the time to fix this. https://t.co/2IqMWOe5ge
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) October 6, 2025
