Kyle Larson, recently named the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion after a decisive two-tire call during an overtime finish, has spoken out with criticism about the current NASCAR playoff format. The structure, which includes ten playoff races divided into four rounds with four drivers eliminated after every three races, results in the championship going to the top finisher among the final four. This system, widely unpopular among drivers and fans, has led to mounting debate about its fairness and level of excitement.
Clear Stance Against Adopting NASCAR Format in Sprint Cars
Larson, who also co-owns the High Limit Series, made it clear that sprint car racing will not be adopting NASCAR’s approach to crowning a champion. His confidence in maintaining traditional formats for other forms of racing stands in contrast to ongoing changes across motorsports, such as the recent introduction of playoffs in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Reflecting on potential one-race championship finales, Larson stated,
“I would hope and I’m pretty certain that will never happen in sprint car racing,”
—Kyle Larson, via the High Limit Room podcast.
Concerns About Fairness and Excitement
According to Larson, even alternative playoff setups in other racing series are superior to NASCAR’s current method. He explained,
“Even the late model playoffs, I think is better than what we have in NASCAR. But still, I don’t know, it’s just not fair or not the fairest way. To me it doesn’t really add that much excitement, at all, to a dirt season.”
Larson’s remarks captured a sense of frustration shared by many competitors and fans who question whether a winner-take-all approach delivers the best representation of a season’s competition.
Indications of Change for NASCAR’s Future Format
Looking ahead, Larson hinted that NASCAR may overhaul the playoff format as early as 2026, revealing that discussions include potentially scrapping the playoff system altogether. His outlook on the future was clear:
“No. There will no playoff or winner take-all sort of thing. Hopefully, even in NASCAR, I think we’re done with the winner take-all, it sounds like.”
He reassured fans, saying,
“Fans don’t have to worry about that. I don’t want to keep going on because I’ll get myself in trouble talking about it.”
The ongoing debate within the organization underscores how much is at stake regarding how championships are decided.
Refusing Gimmicks in High Limit Series
The High Limit Series, co-owned by Larson, also appears resistant to adopting other controversial formats, such as stage breaks, which are used in NASCAR. In response to a joke about incorporating them, Larson observed,
“Knowing Brad, we all know there will be no stage breaks. Even the amount it takes to spin the wheel, he hates.”
The Road Ahead for NASCAR Playoffs
With the NASCAR leadership reportedly looking into all available options to improve the playoff system, 2026 could be a pivotal year for the sport. As one of the most visible and vocal figures in motorsports, Kyle Larson’s opinions on the NASCAR playoff format reflect a larger chorus of calls for change. The focus on fairness, excitement, and honoring season-long performance is likely to inform whatever direction NASCAR chooses, signaling potentially historic changes for fans and competitors alike.
