Tyler Reddick claims NASCAR drivers would have loved 36-race points format

23XI Racing star Tyler Reddick has claimed that some NASCAR drivers would have 'loved' the sport to return to a full 36-race championship format.

Earlier this month, after consultation throughout the 2025 season, NASCAR announced it would be changing how its champions are crowned moving forward, starting in 2026.

It isn't quite the full 36-race points format some were hoping for, however. There will still be a regular season and postseason, with the championship set to be decided across several races at the end of the campaign collectively known as The Chase.

This is the final 10 in the Cup Series, the final nine in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and the final seven in the Truck Series.

Unlike the playoffs previously, there are no rounds or eliminations in The Chase. After the points reset, it is a straight 10, nine, or seven race fight for the championship, depending on which series you are racing in.

Reddick on The Chase return

Tyler Reddick won the 2024 regular season championship in the Cup Series but failed to win the playoffs that year, with Joey Logano instead coming out on top.

Now, the 23XI star has given his take on NASCAR's championship change.

"Directionally I definitely feel like some drivers would have loved to have seen it go all the way back to what it was a long time ago [36 races]," Reddick explained, via Peter Stratta.

"But I think directionally it's a win," he added. "I'm excited to see how this first go-around goes for the Cup guys,

"It will be really cool to see how the Truck Series takes off and runs with it, and how the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series does as well.

"It'll be fun to see how those lower series get to experience The Chase format for the first time."

Reddick's personal preference

Reddick was pressed on his own preference when it comes to the championship format and if he was a 'season-long person', to which he replied: "I'd definitely say more that way.

"As crazy as it sounds coming from a guy that won two of them [championships] the way that he did, two Xfinity Series championships.

"So yeah, I don't know, I guess I kinda think back to mentally where I was at when I was at RCR in the Xfinity car. That mental mindset you had to be in to win the regular-season championship there and then again when I was running a Cup car in 2024 with 23XI

"I think for me and my approach and how I like to race, as much as it seems like I take all the big risks and throw it all the way sometimes, being mindful of the season-long grind is something I've liked so I think going back in this direction - as much as it may not make sense me saying it - I think suits me better."