Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR champion and Hendrick Motorsports driver, has praised NASCAR’s newly announced competition format set to debut in the 2026 season, urging fans to support the shift. The changes, which focus on rewarding consistency over last-minute wins, aim to create a more challenging and engaging 10-race championship finale for the top sixteen points leaders, and reflect efforts to strike a balance requested by the NASCAR community and garage.
Introduced as an evolution of the original Chase format, this new system will have leaders from the regular season face off across the final 10 races, emphasizing steady performance throughout the season. The announcement was marked as a pivotal moment by drivers, with Elliott sharing his confidence and sense of pride in the direction the sport is taking.
Really proud to be here. I can say that with complete honesty. This is something that I’m proud of as a competitor, something I’m looking forward to competing in and against these guys with, and I think, just from my perspective, challenge the race fans this year, let’s enjoy what we got.
Chase Elliott said via motorsport.com.
Elliott Addresses NASCAR Fans’ Reactions and Urges Optimism
While expressing optimism, Elliott also pointed out that some fans are known to express reservations or skepticism toward changes in the sport. He called on the stock car racing fans to look beyond initial concerns and appreciate this move as a historic turning point for both drivers and fans, rather than a disruption.
We’re so quick to complain about everything, everything that we have and everything that we do. Let’s enjoy what we have because we’re making history whether you like it or not.
Chase Elliott added.
As one of the most popular figures in the NASCAR community, Elliott emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity to endorse those who excel within the new system. According to him, the revised format delivers precisely what many fans have called for—a process that rigorously tests drivers on the path to winning the Bill France Cup.
Celebrate the champion. Celebrate the guys who went out there and did a good job. I think this format promotes that. Let’s enjoy what we have. We’ve got a pretty cool thing at the end of the day. Let’s not forget about it, and enjoy what we got today.
Chase Elliott asserted.
Reflecting on the Triumphs of the Original Chase Format
Elliott took time to remind the NASCAR community of the significant and thrilling moments produced during the earlier years of the Chase format. He referenced periods dominated by legendary champions such as Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart, pointing out that those seasons were among the sport’s most memorable and competitive, reinforcing why a return to this system is a strong compromise.
A lot of those years of Jimmie dominating and the championship of Tony and Carl all during the Chase were incredible runs. I think we oftentimes forget how good we had it through all those years of Chase format. I think it is a really nice compromise. I think getting a full season was going to be a pretty big challenge, and I’m not sure there’s really a better place to land than a true 10-race Chase.
Chase Elliott said.
Elliott described the newly implemented structure as both challenging and rewarding, offering drivers a credible and demanding route to the championship. His excitement reflects sentiments from many drivers in the garage who have never competed under the previous version but view this change as an overdue return to form.
How the 2026 Season May Redefine NASCAR Competition
This format overhaul arrives after ongoing discussions about how best to determine the season’s top competitors. Key drivers, team organizations such as Hendrick Motorsports, and various voices across the community and garage have contributed to the format’s creation, signaling a collective dedication to creating fairer and more spectacular championship battles. The focus keyword, Chase Elliott on new NASCAR format, highlights the central role he plays amidst broader excitement and debate.
Looking ahead, anticipation surrounds how this structure will reshape storylines for fans, points leaders, and the next generation of champions. With attention on how names like Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, and new drivers will adapt, the 2026 season is positioned as a milestone for NASCAR, restoring an era known for its intense racing and raising the stakes for all competitors. As Elliott and others rally support, the coming seasons will test whether this format delivers the excitement and recognition that fans, drivers, and champions alike have sought for years.
