Kyle Busch, a veteran of NASCAR’s evolving playoff systems, commented on the impact of the revised Chase format during a recent test session at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Discussing the consequences for title contenders, Busch emphasized that the current format puts a driver’s championship hopes at risk in the event of crashes, which could be decisive in the final stretch of the season. The topic of “Kyle Busch on Chase format” is more relevant than ever as NASCAR adapts its structure to bring renewed legitimacy to its championship.
Kyle Busch Reflects on the Evolution of NASCAR’s Playoff System
Since starting his full-time Cup Series career in 2005, Kyle Busch has raced through various playoff formats, including NASCAR’s first Chase system that ran from 2004 to 2013. Speaking with reporters during this week’s test at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Busch addressed the public’s anticipation of these changes, noting,
“Hopefully it’s better and people like it,”
and adding,
“We’ll see how everybody attacks it.”
This highlights the uncertainty among both fans and drivers as the new playoff structure approaches its competitive debut.
Concerns About the Impact of Crashes on Championship Runs
Busch, one of the few active drivers to have raced extensively in both the original and new elimination-style Chase formats, pointed to a significant problem. He recalled the heightened sense of risk with the old format, stating,
“I remember when we had the Chase format, getting wrecked once or twice, you’re eliminated,”
and warning,
“You have no chance at a championship. With wrecks being a whole heck of a lot more these days of people running over people – maybe it’ll keep it even because everyone’s getting wrecked in the final 10 [races].”
He reinforced his view, saying,
“Any crashes will kill your championship run”
—a sentiment that looms large for drivers entering the season’s decisive phase.
Driver Attitudes and the Challenge of Consistency
The overall environment among today’s Cup Series drivers is far more aggressive than in previous decades. There has been a visible shift in driver etiquette, with competitors more willing to push boundaries for race victories. Some analysts suggest that a greater focus on consistency, rather than race wins alone, could encourage restraint. However, Busch is skeptical this will change: “No,” Busch said, laughing, when asked if drivers will attempt fewer wild moves to go for race wins. He elaborated,
“When you watch all the children that race all year long in ARCA and the late models and other things and you see that stuff already, they’re taught from a very young age to divebomb and run into ’em and door that guy. I don’t think it’ll change a whole lot.”
This reluctance among drivers to adapt their style underscores the persistent tension in the garage.
Balancing Winning and Consistency
In the new points structure, a race win now brings 55 points, up from the previous 40, rewarding victories and a consistently strong season more than before. While even a single crash could still severely impact a team’s playoff ambitions, the system’s added emphasis on steady performance during the final ten races could help offset some risks. Still, as Busch and his colleagues know too well, a string of incidents can easily overshadow consistent results and end even the most promising championship runs.
The Broader Implications for the NASCAR Championship
As the NASCAR season moves forward with this updated Chase format, drivers like Busch, his peers, and fans will be watching closely to see how the format affects competition and sportsmanship. The ongoing debate over whether the focus should be on race victories or consistency adds another layer of emotional intensity to the championship battle. The outcome could define not only individual runs for the title but also the narrative for NASCAR’s future playoff formats, with legitimacy and fairness under increased scrutiny as the championship is decided over the crucial final races.
.@KyleBusch gave his thoughts on NASCAR’s new/old format, testing at @NWBSpeedway, and his friendship with Greg Biffle.
“Any crashes will kill your championship run”#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/HGlnHnAQOh
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) January 13, 2026
