NASCAR has one of the shortest offseasons in sports, only spanning about three months. As the 2026 season kicks off this weekend, fans will see several changes, including one that will have a large effect on how the sport will be run.
From 2014 to 2025, NASCAR used a playoff bracket format, with multiple rounds of eliminations culminating in a single race for the championship. Whoever finished the highest of the four championship contenders would win the championship, even if that driver didn’t win the race.
This happened most recently in the 2025 season, where Kyle Larson claimed the trophy after a third-place finish. The closest playoff driver to him was Denny Hamlin, who finished in sixth place, after Hamlin pitted for tires because of the late-race caution that set up overtime.
The idea that an entire season championship comes down to two laps of overtime, or even a single race, is not the way a sport should be run. Fans were getting frustrated after many years where the yearlong best driver not often winning the championship.
This offseason, NASCAR listened to the fans.
The governing body has brought back the Chase for the Cup for the 2026 season. The Chase was previously in use from 2004 to 2014, and had been phased out in favor of the elimination-style playoffs.
NASCAR has decided to revive this format because it rewards more consistent drivers. Switching from an elimination-style system to a 10-race playoff period helps more consistent teams, as it prioritizes points accumulated over wins.
With the Chase addition, the final race will be going back to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the first time in seven years. It was previously held at Phoenix Raceway, which is smaller and has a ‘dogleg’ layout, opposed to Homestead’s traditional oval shape.
There are also notable tracks that have been added and removed. The most significant addition is the new Naval Base Coronado street race, which replaces the Chicago Street Race. The San Diego race will get a custom layout that winds throughout the base, with aircraft carriers parked next to the racing surface.
This addition breathes life into a summer stretch that can often drag on. Originally, the summer date was occupied by the Chicago race, added three years ago, but that has recently fallen out of the limelight due to rough weather. Chicago will be missed by many, but the Race for the Base will bring much excitement to the sport.
Other changes include the Charlotte Roval date in October switching back to the oval configuration. Chicagoland Speedway also returns, and North Wilkesboro will host a points-paying race after being the All-Star Race location for three years. New Hampshire also gets its date moved, becoming a regular-season race instead of occurring during the Chase.
Meanwhile, it was a relatively quiet offseason for driver changes. The only notable change was Daniel Suarez moving from Trackhouse Racing to Spire Motorsports, with phenom Connor Zilisch taking over his seat. Multiple drivers signed contract extensions, such as Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Shane van Gisbergen, and Zane Smith.
Chevrolet also released its new body style, which has a few slight visual changes from its 2025 car. It also brings in Haas Factory Team, with Cole Custer switching from a Ford to a Chevrolet.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame class was also announced recently, with inductees including Kurt Busch, Harry Gant, and Ray Hendrick. Busch most recently raced in 2022 driving the No. 45 car, while Gant most recently raced in 1994 driving the No. 33 car. Hendrick stood out in the Modified Series, winning five track championships at South Boston Speedway.
During the first few races, teams will pay tribute to late driver Greg Biffle. RFK Racing will change their number fonts to honor Biffle in the Daytona 500, and it will carry a special symbol all season on the B-pillar of their cars. Additionally, AJ Allmendinger will change his number font to Biffle’s iconic 16 to honor him.
The season kicks off this weekend at the Bowman Gray Clash, with the first official points race being the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15.
