Kyle Busch offered his perspective on the anticipated NASCAR playoff format changes as speculation intensifies ahead of an expected announcement following the 2025 season finale at Phoenix Raceway. The two-time Cup Series champion, central to ongoing discussions surrounding the Kyle Busch playoff format change, reflected on the legacy of the current championship system during a recent media interaction.
Kyle Busch Reflects on the Current Playoff System
Busch, who has clinched both his NASCAR Cup Series titles under the present playoff format, acknowledged the elements of unpredictability that have defined recent seasons. He commented that while chance often plays a role, successful teams tend to prevail over the course of the playoffs. As Busch clarified,
“Like, the good teams still make it, but the last race is hard, you know? So, obviously, I guess Penske’s got it figured out, but they’re not there this year, so we’ll see a new one.”
— Kyle Busch, Driver
The Richard Childress Racing driver also spotlighted the accomplishments of other legends, including Jimmie Johnson’s success during both the Chase and elimination formats. Currently, only Busch and Joey Logano have claimed multiple titles since the latest format shift. Despite expressing disappointment at not capturing an additional championship, Busch noted there remains time in his career for further achievements.
This season has posed challenges for Busch. Through 35 races, he has secured just nine top-10 finishes, placing him on the edge of what could be his most difficult season yet if he falls short of another top-10 at Phoenix.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Team Changes and New Opportunities
After the 2025 season, the situation could shift in Busch’s favor. He will benefit from the expertise of Jim Pohlmann, a new crew chief coming from the successful JR Motorsports team, where he previously worked with Allgaier. The combination of team changes at Richard Childress Racing and a likely playoff format adjustment may offer Busch — known by fans as Rowdy — a renewed opportunity for competitive success as he enters the next chapter of his storied career.
The Delay Behind the Announcement of the New Format
NASCAR officials have signaled that modifications are likely coming to the playoff structure but have intentionally delayed an official announcement. During a recent media appearance, NASCAR’s managing director of communications, Mike Forde, offered insight into their timing:
“We don’t want to announce a format prior to Phoenix and then have everyone either devalue this year’s championship or sort of make another set of points of who would be the champion if a new format was in place. So I think that will be after this year.”
— Mike Forde, NASCAR Managing Director of Communications
This approach ensures that the conclusion of the current season at Phoenix will be viewed as the rightful culmination of the existing playoff system. Drivers William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Chase Briscoe, each vying for the title, have extra motivation as one of them may be remembered as the final champion under these rules.
As the NASCAR championship landscape evolves, industry figures such as Busch, key officials, and teams across the Cup Series look to adapt, while fans and competitors await confirmation about how future champions will be crowned in a sport defined by both tradition and change.
