Dale Earnhardt Jr. on NASCAR playoffs was clear as he reacted to the evolving championship structure, voicing his approval for the retirement of the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ system. The Hall of Fame driver shared his insights following NASCAR’s announcement of updates to its playoff format, noting how the changes impact fans, drivers, and the path to becoming champion in the series.
Earnhardt Reflects on Playoff Format and Fan Experience
In a candid discussion, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he is pleased to see the end of the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ playoff arrangement. While he confessed the thrill of this format as a competitor and supporter of favorite drivers, Earnhardt believes a more consistent path better serves NASCAR followers watching from the stands or at home.
“I’m so glad win-and-you’re-in is gone. I loved that when it was me. I love that when it’s my favorite driver. But I’m glad it’s gone.”
The updated championship system now uses a 16-driver cutoff and gives greater weight to race winners with a 15-point bonus for each win, echoing elements of the well-known Chase format. Nonetheless, Earnhardt emphasized that steady performances throughout the season remain the cornerstone for claiming the championship, rather than relying on sudden victories or unpredictable race outcomes.
He also addressed how the playoff shakeup influences notable moments for teams and sponsors. Using Harrison Burton and the Wood Brothers as examples, Earnhardt illustrated the financial and emotional impact of secure playoff spots obtained through wins, and how shifting the format can recalibrate the stakes for all involved.
“You lose the Harrison Burton moment,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. added, “but like they celebrate it just as hard, they’re just as happy. It’s just as big of a story and we’ve lost nothing as a fan. You know what I actually feel like. I would appreciate it more if it was just celebrating a Wood Brothers win with Harrison Burton and nothing else. John Wood would sit here and tell us, well, that costs, that’s a lot of money, because we would we make, that’s like a two-million-dollar check when you lock into the playoff.”
Earnhardt further observed that, under the revised system, early results in the season carry increased importance. He remarked that drivers failing to break into the top five during initial races will face significant challenges in the hunt for a championship position, requiring resilience and consistent excellence to remain in contention.
Reaction to Tony Stewart’s Anticipated Daytona Comeback
The recent announcement of Tony Stewart joining RAM-Kaulig’s Free Agent Program, where seasoned drivers get a chance in the team’s fourth Truck Series entry, has sparked excitement. Stewart, an acclaimed veteran, is slated to make a one-off appearance at Daytona International Speedway, marking his first NASCAR return since 2016 and his first Truck Series competition since 2005.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his thoughts on Stewart’s selection of Daytona for this comeback bid, offering a blend of humor and admiration for the move.
“He picked the doozy. Damn goodness. The dude gon get **** because I wouldn’t have picked Daytona, I would’ve picked somewhere else. It must be writing him a nice check. I’ll say that”
Earnhardt also commented on Dodge and RAM-Kaulig’s strategy behind Stewart’s appearance, seeing it as an effort to ramp up excitement around their Truck Series operation. He views these developments as potential steps towards RAM’s eventual ambitions in the premier Cup Series.
What the Changes Mean for NASCAR’s Future
The updated playoff format brings a renewed focus on both winning and season-long reliability, in line with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s vision for a fair and engaging championship battle. As the new system takes effect, it places pressure on teams and drivers to perform right from the opening race, shifting how fans and insiders experience and analyze the sport’s most crucial moments.
With recognized figures like Earnhardt and Stewart weighing in on these substantial adjustments, the NASCAR community faces an era where tradition and change intersect, setting the course for the next phase of competition and storytelling in stock car racing.
How will NASCAR be affected now that win and you’re in is gone? Depends who you ask. 🤷♂️@DaleJr | @Tjmajors pic.twitter.com/MUS80HLhc6
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) January 15, 2026
