NASCAR has officially brought back the Chase championship format, spreading the season’s title battle over 10 final races, a move that has received support from Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch. Speaking after a Saturday practice for the 24 Hours of Daytona, Zilisch remarked on how the format change benefits both drivers and fans, and highlighted the need to consider fan opinions—a central point in ongoing NASCAR discussions.
Unlike the previous single-race finale that determined the champion since 2014, the revived Chase format places greater emphasis on season-long consistency. Drivers now have the opportunity to recover from a bad race day, with those who perform steadily across events earning a tangible advantage. This shift enables teams like Trackhouse Racing, which Zilisch is set to join for the NASCAR Cup Series, to design flexible strategies for the duration of the season, not just for a one-off championship decider.
Many in the NASCAR community, both fans and notable personalities, had advocated for a complete return to a 36-race points-style championship. However, the new Chase system attempts to balance the excitement of a playoff-inspired format with a fairer approach to crowning the season’s top driver.
Connor Zilisch Shares Enthusiasm and Perspective on the Format Change
Connor Zilisch, now preparing for a full-time move to the Cup Series, voiced his appreciation for the return to a Chase-style playoff. During a conversation with Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Zilisch explained that the format not only allows more competitive opportunities for drivers like himself but also aligns with what teams and fans desire. He stated:
“I mean obviously winning is probably the easier way in for me, but by no means does that mean I prefer the playoffs. So, yeah, I think it’s good for everybody. I think everybody on the team side is happy with it,”
Connor Zilisch told Pockrass.
Emphasizing the importance of listening to the audience that supports NASCAR, Zilisch added:
“We’ve got to listen to the people who make our sport go around and that’s the fans. I’m glad that NASCAR made that decision to do something different. Who knows, it could not work out, but at least we’re trying.”
This feedback demonstrates that the focus keyword—Connor Zilisch on Chase format—is not only about competition but also about responding to widespread demand from the fanbase and the racing teams themselves.
Looking Ahead After a Hard-Fought Rookie Season
Connor Zilisch’s recent campaign in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series marked one of the most impressive rookie years, with ten victories and a season-high 20 top-five finishes. His run for the championship, however, came up just short at Phoenix when Jesse Love overtook him in the closing laps of the finale. Despite losing out on the title, Zilisch shared with Pockrass that he quickly turned the page toward future goals and opportunities.
“I learned a lot of lessons, but for me I have so much more in the future to look forward to than I do to dwell on the past. It’s not worth it for me,”
Connor Zilisch said during the same interview (01:00 onwards).
Refusing to fixate on the disappointment, Zilisch pointed to upcoming milestones and challenges as reasons to remain optimistic. As he prepares for his Rolex 24 debut with Action Express Racing and steps up to the Cup Series at just 19 years old, he reflected:
“It took me about a week and then I realized that I’m racing in the 24 Hours of Daytona with Cadillac. I’ve got a full cup schedule at 19 years old. I’ve got nothing to be upset about.”
In addition to his NASCAR commitments, Zilisch is set to participate in the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona on January 24-25, where he will compete in the leading GTP class for Action Express Racing, adding endurance racing to his burgeoning resume.
The Road Ahead for Zilisch and NASCAR
The revival of the Chase format and the positive response from up-and-coming stars like Connor Zilisch point to a period of adaptation for NASCAR, one focused on rewarding season-long skill and extending excitement for fans and teams. With his remarkable Xfinity performance, upcoming IMSA debut, and a full Cup Series schedule on the horizon, Zilisch is positioned at the forefront of this new era—highlighting not just the importance of format changes, but the readiness of a new wave of drivers to embrace them. The coming season stands as a proving ground for both the format and those eager to leave their mark in NASCAR’s evolving championship structure.
After Rolex 24 practice for next week's race finished Saturday night, I caught up with Connor Zilisch. … Zilisch on the new Chase format and how win-and-in could impact his chances — and on whether the finish of the Xfinity season influences his view. pic.twitter.com/3Ez2fopxs6
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 18, 2026
