NASCAR has announced that it will go back to the ‘Chase’ playoff structure for the 2026 Cup Series season, a decision that sparked a passionate reaction from veteran driver Kyle Busch. In a recent virtual interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Busch questioned whether reverting to the old format was truly the right step for the sport, giving his candid opinion on the return of the elimination-free championship system.
The ‘Chase’ system will replace the elimination-style playoffs, shifting the focus to a cumulative points contest over the final 10 races. The updated championship format will see the top 16 drivers, based on points after the initial 26 regular season races, compete in the playoffs. Whoever has the most points at the end of these final 10 races will be crowned the Cup Series champion, removing the threat of early elimination but also changing the strategy drivers and teams have used in recent years.
Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has experience under both the Chase and the elimination formats. Speaking on the upcoming change, he expressed concerns about returning to a system that was moved away from for significant reasons in the past. He pointed to historical instances that troubled drivers, referencing the dominance of Jimmy Johnson as well as moments where top contenders saw their championship hopes dashed due to one or two poor performances.
“I thought we got away from it for a reason in the past, so I’m not real sure why we went back to it.”
– Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“The reason why we sort of went away from it was obviously Jimmy Johnson’s dominance, number one, but I feel like number two is, there were times where guys like myself who would have one bad race or two that would then knock them out of the championship basically,”
he added. – Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Series driver
New Roles and Team Changes Heading into 2026
For the 2026 season, Kyle Busch will continue driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. Having gone winless since his 2023 victory in the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, the Las Vegas native looks to break his drought as he builds chemistry with new crew chief Jim Pohlman. Meanwhile, his former crew chief Randall Burnett is set to join Trackhouse Racing, where he will provide guidance to rookie Connor Zilisch throughout his first season at the Cup level.
The new NASCAR season will begin with the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15, 2026. This will be the 68th running of the event, widely considered the sport’s crown jewel, and will once again draw fans to watch live on FOX and listen to coverage via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio beginning at 2:30 pm ET.
Kyle Busch and Rebel Bourbon Continue Their Partnership
Kyle Busch will be backed by a familiar sponsor as the 2026 campaign gets underway—Rebel Bourbon, the Bardstown, Kentucky-based wheated bourbon whiskey brand. Their partnership, which initially began in 2024, has now been confirmed through 2026. Rebel Bourbon has collaborated with Richard Childress Racing to develop special releases, including the limited edition Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon and the Rebel 100 Childress Vineyards Cabernet Franc Barrel Finish.
Reflecting on the partnership, RCR President Mike Verlander highlighted the shared characteristics of boldness and a willingness to break from tradition found in both Rebel Bourbon products and Busch’s racing style.
“Rebel Bourbon’s approach to racing closely matches their bold but defiantly smooth premium wheated bourbon. Our partnership reflects a shared willingness to challenge convention, and we’re proud to help introduce Rebel’s unmistakably smooth, yet confidently outspoken, spirits to NASCAR fans.”
– Mike Verlander, President of RCR
Bardin Busch’s debut outing with Rebel Bourbon for the 2026 season will take place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in March, bringing the Kentucky-based sponsor to new audiences.
Looking Forward: What the Chase Format Change Means for NASCAR
The decision to revert to the Chase format comes at a time when NASCAR is looking to balance historic tradition with the demands of modern competition. While drivers like Kyle Busch voice concerns—for example, over how single-race missteps can affect championship bids—NASCAR leadership hopes the points-based system will spark consistent performance across the playoff stretch. The sport’s fanbase, too, will be watching closely as familiar names like Busch, Jimmy Johnson, and emerging talents including Connor Zilisch and Josh Berry seek to make their mark under the revised structure.
As the 2026 season approaches, the racing community will keep a close eye on how the new-old Chase concept impacts the sport’s intensity, drama, and, ultimately, who emerges victorious when the final points are tallied after the championship run.
🤔 "I thought we got away from it for a reason in the past, so I'm not real sure why we went back to it."
Kyle Busch shares his thoughts on The Chase returning, consistency, and the importance of winning, saying it still rewards the bigger teams.
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/asAc5uXBdP
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) February 2, 2026
🤔 "I thought we got away from it for a reason in the past, so I'm not real sure why we went back to it."
Kyle Busch shares his thoughts on The Chase returning, consistency, and the importance of winning, saying it still rewards the bigger teams.
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/asAc5uXBdP
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) February 2, 2026
