Brad Keselowski, winner of the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series and current co-owner at RFK Racing, has voiced strong support for NASCAR’s upcoming championship format changes set for 2026, a move that will emphasize consistent season-long performance over singular high-performing events. The full reveal of the Brad Keselowski NASCAR championship format is scheduled for Monday, January 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET, streamed live across NASCAR’s official digital platforms.
NASCAR Prepares to Unveil New Championship System
The racing community has eagerly awaited news about the next evolution of NASCAR Cup Series championships, and the topic has fueled ongoing debates throughout the garage area. The details remain under wraps for now, but anticipation is high as insiders and drivers alike expect a major shift in how championships are determined. Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass has been at the forefront of these discussions, speaking directly with key figures such as Brad Keselowski, who anticipates the new system will reward steady excellence throughout the year rather than relying solely on late-season momentum.
As Keselowski put it,
“It will certainly reward consistency at a much higher level and I think we’re excited about that.” – Brad Keselowski, driver/co-owner, RFK Racing
Leadership at Kaulig Racing, another influential team in the garage, confirmed to former driver Kenny Wallace that the coming changes have garnered a positive response within the NASCAR fan base, with expectations that the majority of followers will embrace the new championship model.
Brad Keselowski Faces Setback Ahead of 2026 Season
While Brad Keselowski remains upbeat about the championship format overhaul, he is currently dealing with a significant personal challenge heading into the 2026 racing season. A skiing accident during a family trip in December left him with a broken right femur, one of the most severe injuries a driver can experience.
In his conversation with Bob Pockrass, Keselowski explained both the difficulty and potential for recovery:
“It’s a really painful thing to break. It’s the biggest bone in your body, which is kind of the bad part about it. The good thing is it’s also one of the fastest healing parts of your body, so I’m just really dealing with the pain and trying to recover as fast as I can.” – Brad Keselowski, driver/co-owner, RFK Racing
This injury means Keselowski will miss the Cook Out Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium, also known as The Madhouse, on February 1. Stepping in for him will be Corey LaJoie, who is set to drive in Keselowski’s place at the event. Despite this setback, Keselowski remains focused on recovery and is aiming to be race-ready for the Daytona 500 on February 15, pending a medical evaluation set for February 5 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Anticipated Impact of the New Championship Format
The move to a consistency-focused championship format represents a significant shift for NASCAR, which has often seen debates in the garage area over how best to balance excitement and fairness. By prioritizing steady performance, the new rules could change team strategies and the narrative of the season, rewarding those drivers and organizations who excel over the full campaign. As the announcement date approaches, both fans and participants like Brad Keselowski, Bob Pockrass, and the Kaulig Racing leadership are closely watching how this decision will shape the future of the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR will announce its new championship format Monday afternoon. Brad Keselowski said he expects it to reward consistency more: pic.twitter.com/1KDCXD1ZnV
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 9, 2026
