Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice has hinted that NASCAR is considering revisions to its playoff system, with an announcement expected in January. While specifics are not yet confirmed, Rice believes that fans will respond positively to the new Kaulig Racing NASCAR playoff format.
Delay in Announcing the 2026 Championship Format
Despite widespread expectations for an update after the season finale, NASCAR has not yet revealed how its championship and points system will change for 2026. This delay comes as the sport faced off-track controversies, notably including the Richard Childress-Steve Phelps text incident and a subsequent trial. These events may have contributed to the postponed official announcement.
Chris Rice Offers Insights on Possible Changes
During a recent appearance on the Kenny Wallace Show, Chris Rice discussed the league’s direction regarding the future of the points and championship system. While careful not to disclose any details or claim certainty about the final plan, Rice expressed confidence that NASCAR has taken fan feedback into account and will introduce an engaging update to the playoff format.
It got put on the back burner. I talk to Mark Martin a lot, believe it or not. You’re gonna like it,
Rice stated to Wallace. “You will like it. It’s not exactly what everybody’s posting about. They hadn’t made a final decision the last time I was involved. We need an adjustment. Do we need an overhaul? No. But we do need an adjustment. I enjoy going back to Homestead, but we don’t need one race to make the difference. Because we know going to Homestead, if Kyle Larson is in the final four, who the heck do you think is going to win? If Tyler Reddick is in the final four, who the heck do you think is going to have a shot? Like, come on.
Rice acknowledged that both fans and industry insiders have raised concerns about the current system, especially the influence of a single race determining the championship outcome. He argued for changes that would address issues of predictability, suggesting that the league should look for a balance between evolving for younger fans and maintaining the excitement that has long characterized the sport.
‘So, they recognize that. The fans have been vocal. … We listened as a sport, and it’s going to be great. What I do know is, I feel like 75% of the people are going to love it, 10% are going to be uhhh, okay. And that’s going to leave 15% of the people that’s going to hate it. So, with that being said, the traditional way of doing points would be tough to do in this era. Because we are looking towards a younger group of people, right? So, that’s what we got to think about.
Why Full-Season Points Are Not Likely
Chris Rice addressed speculation about returning to a full-season, cumulative points system, a method favored in NASCAR’s past. Referencing conversations with Mark Martin and others, Rice emphasized that a complete reset to the traditional format would not suit today’s sports landscape, especially as NASCAR courts a younger, social-media-focused audience.
Me and you, man, I go back and watch them old races on Tubi, and dude, there might be one car on the lead lap, and somebody’s winning the points series by 487 points. I mean, that ain’t exciting to the young guy, or the young woman. So, we gotta make it exciting. And our attention spans, my social media guy says, remember Chris, 30 seconds long, not 4 hours.
This quote highlights the shifting expectations of sports fans, particularly younger viewers, and strengthens the case for a playoff format designed to sustain excitement through the final races rather than enabling a runaway season champion.
Looking Ahead to NASCAR’s Announcement
According to Rice and the atmosphere within the industry, the upcoming Kaulig Racing NASCAR playoff format is expected to retain the essence of recent years but introduce tweaks that make the championship more competitive and appealing. Rice’s remarks indicate NASCAR is seeking to respond to vocal fans and modernize the system, while not fully abandoning its roots.
Until the official announcement is made, speculation will remain about the exact nature of the new format. Industry members like Chris Rice are helping to set expectations, hinting at ongoing playoffs rather than a strict season-long points tally. As interest builds ahead of the January reveal, fans and drivers including Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick will be watching closely to see how the changes affect their championship hopes.
As the sport continues adapting to changing audiences and technologies, NASCAR’s decision will shape the competitive landscape for years to come, with the hope of keeping both veteran fans and the next generation of viewers engaged through dynamic and meaningful playoff battles.
"You will like it"
Kaulig Racing CEO @C_Rice1 to @Kenny_Wallace on the new NASCAR points/playoff format: pic.twitter.com/SngZqAzsRM
— The Kenny Wallace Show (@KWallaceShow) December 21, 2025
