Dale Earnhardt Jr playoff format has become a topic of buzz in the NASCAR community after speculation surfaced about significant changes slated for the 2026 season. While talk of a new system has focused on the NASCAR Cup Series, questions remain about how these adjustments could impact the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Truck Series as well.
Recent championship battles have amplified speculation. In 2025, JR Motorsports put three entries forward in the fight for the NASCAR Xfinity Series crown, only to see Jesse Love secure the title for Richard Childress Racing. Following this setback, Dale Earnhardt Jr, the co-owner of JR Motorsports, found himself exiting the garage with NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell, leading to an interesting conversation about upcoming changes.
Dale Earnhardt Jr Outlines His Hopes for the Upcoming Playoff System
On his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, the NASCAR Hall of Famer expressed enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
We got a lot of things, we’re going to kind of move the furniture around in the room and change some of the pieces on the chessboard, so to speak, to try to be in a better spot and get everybody happy. Through some things that we’re going to do, we’re going to have four drivers, hopefully, driving for a championship next year.
– Dale Earnhardt Jr, Co-owner JR Motorsports
Earnhardt Jr recognized that the current playoff format might not remain static, hinting at potential adjustments.
We’ll have to see what the format is,
Dale Earnhardt Jr, Co-owner JR Motorsports
He recounted his discussion with Steve O’Donnell, which took place as the championship celebrations unfolded in the garage.
I had an opportunity just by chance to exit the race track Saturday night with [Steve] O’Donnell, walking through the Cup garage as the 2 team were celebrating their championship.
– Dale Earnhardt Jr, Co-owner JR Motorsports
In this exchange, Earnhardt Jr noted the focus on changes to the Cup Series format, voicing a question many in the garage have wondered: Will the Xfinity and Truck Series follow suit? The response was notably direct.
And he’s like, ‘Yeah, something similar will happen.’
– Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR COO
Potential Playoff Overhaul Sparks Debate Among Drivers and Teams
Talk of removing or revising the current playoff system has circulated, with different stakeholders weighing in. Denny Hamlin, a vocal driver, has publicly criticized the playoff system, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion. Meanwhile, NASCAR officials continue to consider options that could reshape the competitive dynamics of the sport for years to come.
With the 2026 season approaching, speculation continues as teams and drivers await official confirmation about what new format—if any—the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Truck Series, and possibly even the Cup Series will adopt. The eventual changes are set to carry lasting implications for how championships are decided and how teams prepare for their quest to compete at the highest level.
