Chase Elliott’s championship hopes are gaining momentum as NASCAR prepares to move away from its one-race finale system, a shift that experts believe could favor consistent performers like Elliott. With potential changes expected to benefit those who deliver steady results throughout the playoffs, the discussion around Chase Elliott championship chances has reignited as the 2026 season approaches.
Upcoming Changes in Championship Structure Stir Optimism
NASCAR has signaled a significant change in its playoff championship format, though an exact date for the official announcement remains uncertain. As NASCAR’s managing director of racing communications, Mike Forde, candidly explained earlier this week,
I don’t know where it is. It could be in two weeks, it could be in two months.
— Mike Forde, Managing Director of Racing Communications. The speculation centers on a new playoff model that could replace the long-standing one-race title showdown with a broader, multi-race championship round. This adjustment is expected to increase fairness and put a premium on persistent high performance—just the kind of change that could shift the competitive landscape for title contenders.
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, represents exactly the kind of athlete who stands to benefit from a larger playoff sample size. Despite a strong season in 2025, Elliott fell just short of making the Championship 4, paving the way for teammate Kyle Larson to capture his second Cup championship. However, a NASCAR insider has indicated that Elliott may soon have another legitimate shot at claiming a second title.
How Consistency Shapes Elliott’s Playoff Outlook
Fans and analysts have increasingly pointed to Elliott’s consistent prowess as a key differentiator under a more extensive playoff model. During a recent Performance Racing Network broadcast, racing analyst Brad Gillie discussed how a potentially expanded playoff format could become an asset for the Hendrick Motorsports driver.
I feel like the longer the sample size in the championship run in the playoffs, the more favorable it becomes to Chase Elliott,
— Brad Gillie, Racing Analyst. Gillie emphasized that while Elliott and his team possess the talent to win races outright, their true edge lies in stringing together strong performances over multiple events rather than betting it all on a single race outcome.
Across the 2025 season, Elliott showcased remarkable form: he secured two wins, recorded 11 top-five finishes, landed in the top 10 on 19 occasions, led 454 laps, and held an average finishing position of 12.6. If he can extend this level of dependability into 2026, NASCAR’s reimagined playoffs could play into his hands. As Gillie further observed,
Their talent is in consistency. Yes, they can go up there and win races. But he’s not had a season like he’s had since his championship year in 2020; a handful of things have happened along the way. But I feel like their strength is not going to be in winning one race for a title, but being the best over four, over ten. So, depending on what the format is, I feel it depends on how much it will favor Chase Elliott in a second championship.
— Brad Gillie, Racing Analyst.
Key Moments that Defined the 2025 Playoff Run
In the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Elliott advanced to the Round of 8, keeping his championship ambitions intact deep into the fall. Entering Talladega with a 23-point deficit after Las Vegas, he leaned on impressive credentials—two previous Talladega wins and an average finish near 11th over the past seven races there. Unfortunately, fate intervened on the very track where Elliott was expected to thrive. A crash in Stage 1 dashed his hopes, knocking him out of contention and denying him a place in the 2025 title finale.
This narrow miss under the old format further underscores why a shift to a longer championship stage may better align with the way Elliott approaches racing. For 2026, optimism reigns as Hendrick Motorsports plans to debut a new Chevrolet body, fueling renewed drive for Elliott and his supporters. His preparation continues with diligence, but Elliott’s gratitude extends beyond engineering improvements—he remains deeply appreciative of those who back him on and off the track.
Fan Support Remains a Steady Force
Not long after the conclusion of the 2025 championship, Elliott was crowned the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver for the eighth consecutive season, an honor reflecting his enduring connection with fans even during challenging times. He has battled through adversity, including a snowboarding accident in 2023 and a missed playoff appearance that same year, yet the loyalty of the NASCAR audience remains unshaken. This ongoing relationship between Elliott and his fan base was a focus of his remarks during a recent SiriusXM NASCAR appearance.
Elliott shared personal insights on his most memorable race day experiences.
It’s those interactions we have at the track, whether it’s me or somebody else, I don’t even care about that, it’s more just having the ability to make or break somebody’s day sometimes,
— Chase Elliott, Driver. He continued to emphasize the unique responsibilities that come with this large following:
It can be a lot to carry, but I do think there’s a responsibility in some of those things, and at least doing your best. And we are competitors and we are humans and there’s times I definitely want time alone, but I definitely think there’s times we have to go enjoy those moments and help make somebody’s day better if you have that ability to do so.
— Chase Elliott, Driver.
What the Future May Hold for Elliott and NASCAR
As the 2026 season draws closer, Elliott’s consistent competitive edge and massive fan engagement suggest that the upcoming playoff format could play to his strengths in unprecedented ways. While the precise structure and timing of NASCAR’s official announcement remain to be seen, industry voices and past records highlight Elliott’s adaptability and resilience as critical assets.
Chase Elliott championship chances will be influenced not only by regulations and formats but also by his ability to convert widespread public support into on-track results. The forthcoming changes stand as a testament to NASCAR’s commitment to fairness and evolution, potentially paving a clearer path for drivers like Elliott who have shown sustained brilliance throughout demanding seasons. For Elliott, his team at Hendrick Motorsports, and the community of fans invested in his journey, the next chapter carries both excitement and the potential for racing history to be rewritten.
