NASCAR revealed a major revision to its playoff format on Monday, removing the win-and-in, elimination system and returning to a points-based Chase setup starting from the 2026 season. Joey Logano, a prominent driver who has thrived under the previous format, will be adapting his championship strategy changes to align with the new rules.
NASCAR Restores Chase Format: Key Changes Announced
The newly announced structure discards the knockout eliminations and win-and-in auto berths that defined the playoff system from 2014 to 2025. Instead, consistency throughout the entire racing year will be rewarded. After 26 regular-season races, the top 16 drivers in points will secure a place in a 10-race playoff which will ultimately crown the champion based on total accumulated points. The move is designed to put a premium on season-long performance rather than just individual high-stakes wins.
To ensure that each race victory still matters, NASCAR will increase the points awarded for a win from 40 to 55. Additionally, the regular season points leader will be given a significant 25-point bonus heading into the Chase. Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s president, emphasized the aim is to highlight the importance of every point, stating that under this model, each lap is crucial in the fight for the championship.
Joey Logano Reflects on the Shift and Offers Perspective
Joey Logano, who stands out as the only driver to clinch three Cup Series championships during NASCAR’s elimination era, has built a legacy around thriving in high-pressure scenarios. Though he previously advocated for the old format to remain, Logano expressed openness about the change, making it clear that his focus remains on the ultimate prize.
“There were a lot of different ideas that were thrown out there; this one I didn’t hear about. I’m good with it. Listen, my job is not to have an opinion about the playoff format. My job is to win the playoff format,”
Joey Logano, Driver.
“That’s my job is to win the big trophy at the end of the day, so whatever it is, I’m good with it, I’m not gonna complain about it. I’m gonna focus on doing my job, which is to go out there and win.”
Joey Logano, Driver.
Implications for Race Strategies and Team Dynamics
The return of the Chase system means that drivers with steady performance across the full season will be better positioned to compete for the championship. Logano, who has experience racing during the original Chase era, highlighted that this could give him and similar veterans a temporary edge as teams develop new approaches. He acknowledged that missteps will become more consequential.
“bad days are gonna be a bigger penalty than before.”
Joey Logano, Driver.
“I think it comes down to being more consistent,”
Joey Logano, Driver.
He emphasized that being consistent week after week will be vital, noting that drivers who enter the playoffs lower in the standings could find it nearly impossible to climb into championship contention under this system. Logano also pointed out that this format shift changes how teams build cars, how crew chiefs call races, and how aggressive drivers are willing to be in pursuit of the title.
“It’s rewarding more consistency throughout the season, so your strategy changes a lot. Not just as a driver but how you build the cars, how you call the races as a crew chief is gonna be different, from behind the wheel your aggressive level of is it worth making that move or do you think about hey, how do you win the big trophy because that’s our goal every year. It’s not a certain amount of wins, it’s about winning the championship.”
Joey Logano, Driver.
What the New Format Means for the Future
NASCAR’s departure from rapid-fire eliminations and single-race deciders will likely reshape how drivers, teams, and fans engage with the series. Joey Logano’s championship strategy changes and insights reflect a readiness to adapt, suggesting that consistency and preparation will set the best apart. As the sport approaches 2026, all eyes will be on how veteran drivers, rising stars, and their support teams adjust to a playoff race that’s more marathon than sprint, and whether Logano and others can leverage their experience for a new era of Cup Series success.
