Kyle Busch addressed the ongoing debate around the reintroduced Chase format in NASCAR during a test at North Wilkesboro Speedway, voicing skepticism that the new structure will lead to cleaner or more respectful driving. While some believe that this updated NASCAR format could improve sportsmanship on the track, Busch’s perspective suggests that aggressive tactics will persist, maintaining the current intensity of competition.
Changing Formats, Same Old Tactics
NASCAR’s playoff system has evolved frequently, and its elimination-style format leading up to 2025 became notorious for encouraging risky maneuvers and controversial driving as competitors fought desperately for playoff spots. The return of the Chase this year has prompted some drivers to hope for more respectful behavior on the track, but Busch makes it clear that young drivers, in particular, already learn highly aggressive techniques early in their careers. Asked if the new structure will discourage tactics like dive-bombing, Busch replied,
No. When you watch the kids who race all year long in ARCA, Late Models, and other series, you already see that stuff.
– Kyle Busch, Driver
He emphasized how these habits become ingrained from youth:
They are taught from a very young age to dive bomb and run into them and ‘door that guy!’ Being a dad, I have heard those words, and maybe I have said those words once or twice. I don’t think it will change a whole lot.
– Kyle Busch, Driver
The earlier system encouraged drivers to make desperate moves, sometimes crossing a line, since a single win could lock in a playoff position or provide a significant step toward the championship. Although the Chase format could theoretically lower the urgency for such last-ditch efforts, Busch believes that the same behaviors will continue because the competitive environment trains drivers to push boundaries from the outset.
Pressure and Perils Remain for Drivers
Under the newly reintroduced format, securing a race win is no longer a guaranteed safe passage to the playoffs. Competitors must now sustain high performance and strong results throughout the season, focusing on consistent point accumulation rather than isolated victories. Still, as Busch candidly commented, drivers remain far from immune to the risks involved:
Any crashes will kill your championship run
– Kyle Busch, Driver
This point underscores the tense and emotionally charged nature of NASCAR competition, where one mistake or aggressive incident can still end championship hopes instantly, even if the format has changed. While the stakes for unnecessary risks may have technically dropped, the unpredictable nature of racing ensures that desperate moments are unlikely to disappear entirely.
Busch Assesses His Outlook Under the New System
As he prepares for his fourth season with Richard Childress Racing and a new partnership with crew chief Jim Pohlman, Busch faces questions about whether the updated playoff structure could help him regain momentum after recent struggles to qualify for the postseason. He explained that consistency will now be the most important factor on the track, with a focus on posting the lowest average finish rates across the campaign. When asked about whether the revised format boosts his odds compared to the last two years, Busch remarked:
I feel like the last two years we were knocked out of the bubble because of the winners behind us. They maybe wouldn’t have been there otherwise. But yeah, it gives us an opportunity to talk about sixteenth place. There’s no reason why I need to be talking about sixteenth.
– Kyle Busch, Driver
Busch’s comments reveal a conflicted mindset, aware that changes in structure may open new opportunities for consistent performers, yet skeptical about any dramatic shift in racing culture or driver conduct. For established veterans like Busch, the adjustment means adapting not only in terms of team strategy but also mindset, as raw aggression and consistency must now carefully balance in the quest for another strong championship run.
With Jim Pohlman, a former Xfinity Series championship-winning crew chief, by his side, Busch hopes the combination of experience and a fresh approach will help him succeed under NASCAR’s evolving playoff system. As the season progresses, fans and teams alike will closely watch whether the return of the Chase brings the hoped-for improvement in sportsmanship or if the relentless drive for victory continues to spark tension and controversy on the track.
.@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
