NASCAR icon Richard Petty has publicly criticized the current playoff structure, calling for a return to a year-long determination of the champion. This debate around the Richard Petty NASCAR championship format arose during an episode of the Petty Race Recap podcast, which also featured the respected former crew chief Dale Inman.
Petty Calls for Consistency in Championship Determination
During his podcast exchange, Richard Petty made it clear that he prefers the traditional approach, where the NASCAR champion is decided based on performance throughout the entire 36-race season, rather than through the current playoff method. Petty emphasized his longstanding belief that a champion should be recognized for consistency and overall achievement, not simply for excelling during a short span at the end of the year.
“I still think to have a champion of NASCAR that is a year-long championship,”
Richard Petty said.
“It’s not a one-race championship, it’s not a four-race championship..it should be…if we run 36 races, who is the best out of those 36…they should be the champion.”
— Richard Petty, NASCAR legend
Dale Inman echoed these sentiments, expressing agreement with Petty.
“I’m with Richard on that. First race, they start it…36 races, they end it and whoever’s got the most points is the champion.”
— Dale Inman, Retired Crew Chief
Controversy Surrounds the Current Playoff Format
The current playoff format in NASCAR allows for a driver to have a relatively modest record during the season but still win the championship through strong results in the postseason races. Last year, Joey Logano captured his third Cup Series title despite an average finish position of 17.1, marking the lowest average for a season champion in NASCAR history. Notably, Kyle Larson, despite achieving six wins—more than many rivals—failed to reach the Championship 4 due to the playoff system’s design.
This outcome has fueled debate among NASCAR commentators, former drivers, and fans, many of whom share Petty’s desire for a format that rewards consistency over sporadic playoff success. However, not all drivers agree, and some believe the current playoff system adds valuable drama to the sport. Joey Logano, for instance, stated,
“I don’t understand what people don’t like about it. I really don’t get it… I’m not just saying that because it works for us. I’m saying it because it’s true.”
— Joey Logano, Team Penske Driver
Meanwhile, NASCAR officials have acknowledged the discussion, announcing ongoing internal reviews and potential adjustments to the postseason structure, with changes under consideration for implementation as soon as 2026.
Petty Points to a Void of Star Power in Modern NASCAR
Richard Petty also highlighted another concern—the absence of stand-out personalities or leaders among today’s drivers. Drawing comparisons with legendary names from his own era, such as Dale Earnhardt Sr., Darrel Waltrip, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson, Petty suggested that the sport currently lacks drivers with superstar appeal and leadership qualities that attract lasting fan followings.
“We’ve got no leaders,” Richard Petty told Jeff Gluck of The Athletic.
“We’ve had, what, 15 different winners this year? That does not create a following. No matter what happens, you need a fox out front. We don’t have any leader; whether he’s good, bad or indifferent.”
— Richard Petty, NASCAR legend
Petty pointed out that, unlike in previous decades when drivers like Waltrip and Earnhardt commanded strong reactions from fans, today’s field appears crowded but without singular figures who drive engagement.
“Right now, we don’t have that. I think it takes a little prestige away from what we’re doing,”
Petty further explained. — Richard Petty, NASCAR legend
The Upcoming Race and What Lies Ahead
With these ongoing controversies and debates, NASCAR is set to turn its attention to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where the next race—the South Point 400—will kick off the Round of 8. This event, consisting of 267 laps, will be broadcast live on USA at 5:30 pm ET, with additional coverage provided by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. As the postseason progresses, the broader questions about the championship format and the sport’s star power are unlikely to fade, ensuring that discussions among drivers, fans, and officials will remain at the forefront of NASCAR’s future.
FAN QUESTION: Would you rather have the 10 race Chase format or the playoffs?
Via X user, @TheBraden_
Full Race Recap and more answers to fan questions tomorrow at 8am on the Petty Family Racing YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/wnFPsiBU0f
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) October 6, 2025
