NASCAR announced on Monday that it will abandon its playoff system in favor of a return to ‘The Chase’ points format, sparking discussions across the motorsport world. Chase Elliott on The Chase has encouraged fans to approach this change with an open perspective, stressing the importance of embracing the new era.
NASCAR Shifts Points Structure, Seeks Middle Ground
After years of relying on the playoff system, NASCAR has chosen to move on, signaling the end of an era. While many fans had advocated for a full-time return to the season-long, 36-race points structure, the organization instead revived ‘The Chase’ as a compromise. This decision was revealed during a press conference held on Monday, catching some by surprise, although speculation had grown that a hybrid strategy might emerge.
Calls for a revamp had echoed throughout the last racing season. Prominent names within the sport, including race legends and fans alike, voiced their dissatisfaction with the playoff format and lobbied for a new approach. At the press conference, a panel featuring influential figures such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, and Steve O’Donnell appeared to signal that NASCAR was listening to those appeals. The selection of ‘The Chase’ system—used prior to the modern playoff era—was considered by several to strike a balance between tradition and progress.
Among those present at the event were drivers Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, and notably Chase Elliott, alongside seasoned figures from within the sport. While Elliott had succeeded under the playoff system—including earning his first championship in 2021—he reportedly viewed the alternative format as a positive shift.
Chase Elliott Encourages Patience and Optimism
Following Monday’s announcement, Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports openly backed NASCAR’s decision, drawing on memories of past champions like Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart who excelled in ‘The Chase’ format. Elliott argued that this approach would not only satisfy drivers but also sponsors and television broadcast partners, striking a fair compromise for all parties involved.
Reflecting on what the change means for his own ambitions and for fans, Elliott issued a direct challenge to those who may be skeptical about the new format:
“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, No. 9 Driver
The Hendrick Motorsports standout continued by urging supporters not to rush to judgment, emphasizing the value of appreciating the current moment in the sport’s evolving story:
“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, No. 9 Driver
Chase Elliott’s reputation as one of the most reliable drivers of the current era—demonstrated by his NextGen era average finish of 12.4—strengthens his position to thrive in this renewed format. Though Elliott has historically performed well within the playoff system, his openness to ‘The Chase’ highlights flexibility crucial for elite drivers and teams.
Uncertainty and Anticipation Over The Chase’s Return
While Elliott’s appeal may resonate with some fans, the broader NASCAR community remains divided over whether ‘The Chase’ is the optimal solution. The new system garners mixed reactions, especially among those who had advocated for a wholesale return to a cumulative points system spanning all 36 races. The return of ‘The Chase’ brings added anticipation as teams, sponsors, TV broadcasters, and fans adjust to a familiar yet modified championship path.
The sport’s legends, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin, have voiced support for this shift, joining Elliott in viewing the change as a reasonable resolution to long-standing debates. The reaction of the wider fanbase, however, will play a significant role in shaping the success of this decision as the season unfolds.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on the drivers—Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, and their peers—as they adapt to the revived format. NASCAR’s leadership, alongside sponsors and broadcasters, will be monitoring both competition and audience sentiment closely. Whether ‘The Chase’ era fosters greater excitement or faces renewed demands for revision remains to be seen, but for now, figures like Elliott are urging everyone to give the change a fair shake and relish the chance to witness history in the making.
Following NASCAR's announcement that the Chase format will return, Chase Elliott encouraged fans to give the new system a fair shot, focusing less on complaining and more on enjoying the racing and celebrating the champion. Find out more on The Daily Downforce… pic.twitter.com/LPjZ2e0ezg
— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) January 13, 2026
