NASCAR declared on Monday that it will reintroduce a revised version of the Chase format, reminiscent of the one used from 2004 to 2013, for the Cup Series in the 2026 season. The announcement by NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell drew immediate reactions from several drivers, including 2020 champion Chase Elliott, who shared his perspective on the changes to the postseason, highlighting both his approval and his one concern.
Speaking after the official announcement, Chase Elliott expressed satisfaction that the series is no longer trying to mirror other sporting franchises, opting instead to focus on what makes NASCAR unique. He argued that previous playoff systems had become confusing for fans and tough to describe, whereas the revamped Chase format was simpler and more straightforward.
Chase Elliott’s Perspective on Entry Number
Despite broadly supporting the switch back to the Chase format, Elliott was candid about a specific reservation he holds.
“If I had one complaint of any of it, I think 16 is just too many. You know, I thought the 10-race Chase, the 10-driver piece of that, was really hard to get into. I still think 16 will be a challenge.”
— Chase Elliott, 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The current iteration of the Chase will invite the top sixteen drivers, as determined by regular season points, to compete in the title-deciding stretch of races. By contrast, the earlier Chase format limited the postseason to just ten drivers, making qualification particularly demanding. While Elliott admitted that increasing the number isn’t a significant problem, he maintained that a smaller field would have made the championship even more competitive.
Chase Elliott is pleased with NASCAR prioritizing its own identity over emulating other sports, and though he thinks the 16-driver field is on the high side, he is generally accepting of the updated structure.
Blaney Defends Sixteen-Driver Format
Not every competitor feels the same way about expanding the Chase field. Ryan Blaney took a different position when questioned about the ideal number, providing his rationale for supporting the decision to allow sixteen drivers to vie for the championship.
“In this day and age in the sport, there are sixteen teams that can win every week, just the way cars are.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Blaney’s argument rested on the evolution of racing in recent years, suggesting that the current competitiveness across teams justifies a larger postseason group. He believes that more teams now have the resources and speed to go straight to the track and contend for wins each weekend, making the field deeper than it was in the past.
“10, 15 years ago, about 12 was a good number. But now, I think it has just gotten, you know. More teams can go to the track and unload faster, and then win races. So yeah, I like that number.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Blaney also noted a loss of respect during the Playoffs era and hopes that the Chase format will restore authenticity and legitimacy to the way the championship is decided.
.@Blaney says respect was lost under the Playoffs era and hopes The Chase brings legitimacy back to racing. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/PTIjhgm2nN
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) January 12, 2026
Anticipation Builds Ahead of 2026 Season
As Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney prepare to compete under the Chase rules for the first time, both drivers—alongside the rest of the Cup Series field—will need to adapt quickly to the altered postseason. Elliott’s view that a smaller roster would foster stiffer competition is balanced by Blaney’s assurance that the greater depth of today’s teams warrants a larger field.
With the Chase Elliott NASCAR Chase format now set for 2026, the shift marks a significant move by NASCAR to recapture the excitement and competitive spirit of earlier eras while acknowledging the increased parity among current teams. The coming season will reveal whether the new configuration achieves the intended balance, with fans and drivers closely watching to see how it shapes the championship race.
Chase Elliott likes the fact that NASCAR isn't trying to be like other sports as much with going back to the Chase format. He thinks 16 drivers is too many but he's god with the new system. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/rgE8853mav
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 12, 2026
.@Blaney says respect was lost under the Playoffs era and hopes The Chase brings legitimacy back to racing. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/PTIjhgm2nN
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) January 12, 2026
