On Monday, January 12, 2026, NASCAR is scheduled to reveal its updated championship format during a special live broadcast from its Concord studios. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., representing Hyak Motorsports, has expressed optimism about the collaborative process behind these changes, emphasizing the continued importance of race victories as the new format approaches.
Drivers Voice Expectations for Playoff Adjustments
Stenhouse Jr. noted that while format details are still under wraps, the priority of winning individual races will remain, even as the structure potentially shifts to reward consistent performance over the course of the season. He alluded to a possible increase in points-based incentives, suggesting that playoff qualifiers could be determined by a stronger mix of season-long points accumulation and major victories. This reflects broader discussions among drivers and teams ahead of the announcement.
NASCAR’s planned changes appear to follow recent recommendations from veteran drivers like Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, and Mark Martin—all of whom have argued for a system that rewards consistent excellence instead of focusing solely on high-stakes, elimination-style playoffs. Fans and competitors alike have voiced frustration that the current postseason does not always recognize the sport’s most steady performers.
Stenhouse Jr. Commends Inclusive Redesign Process
Stenhouse Jr. reflected positively on NASCAR’s approach to developing the new championship structure, underscoring the involvement of those on the track as well as those in team management roles. As he described the sport’s efforts:
“NASCAR’s done a good job collaborating with drivers and teams and trying to come up with the best solution for competition and crowning our champions. So I’ve been through different iterations of the format and the way things have worked.”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
He also expressed his view on the anticipation building ahead of Monday’s announcement:
“And so it’s going to come out on Monday. I assume there’s going to be more points, incentive-type racing. Obviously, you still want to win races and put yourself in the best possible position to be in the playoffs. So, I’m going to start with trying to win the Daytona 500,”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
How the Current Playoff System Works
Since 2014, NASCAR’s playoff format has seen 16 drivers compete for the championship over a 10-race stretch. The postseason has been arranged into four rounds, with three races per round for the first three segments. After each stage, the bottom four drivers on points are eliminated, leaving four contenders to contest the title in the season finale. While a race victory could automatically advance a driver to the next round, many critics—both fans and participants—have felt this structure undervalues season-long steadiness by favoring win-or-go-home scenarios.
What Could Change in the New Format
Though no official details have been released ahead of Monday’s announcement, Stenhouse Jr. and others expect NASCAR to move toward a balanced system. It is likely that the new setup will give greater weight to points racing across the season while retaining elements that preserve the drama of the playoffs. The intent is to acknowledge both win-driven and persistently strong competitors, addressing concerns about whether the current model really crowns the most deserving champion.
The announcement is set to be livestreamed at 3:30 p.m. on NASCAR’s official website, YouTube channel, the NASCAR Channel on Tubi, and other platforms, offering viewers and competitors a first look at the refined championship strategy.
Implications for Teams, Drivers, and Fans
With the shift expected to reward consistency and adapt the playoff process, teams and drivers like Stenhouse Jr. will gain clearer guidance as they craft their strategies for the next season. If NASCAR’s new format successfully blends season-long achievement with the thrill of decisive postseason moments, it could restore confidence among fans and competitors that the sport’s champion truly reflects the year’s best performance.
Here's Ricky Stenhouse Jr. talking about NASCAR's new championship system on Fox & Friends:
"I assume there's gonna be more points-incentive type racing. Obviously you still want to win races and put yourself in the best possible position to be in the playoff … Come Monday… https://t.co/sYzXsW2sjN pic.twitter.com/eLU48VANJa
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) January 10, 2026
