NASCAR 2026: Playoffs or a 36-race championship? Bob Pockrass predicts

Now the dust has settled on that huge courtroom battle in Charlotte, there is one major offseason question still facing the NASCAR world - playoffs or a full-season championship?

A good portion of the fanbase absolutely hate the current Cup Series format, which sees the title decided on the outcome of just one race at the end of a 10-race postseason schedule.

Many want a return to the ‘good old days’ with drivers battling it out over 36 races with every one playing an equal part in deciding the eventual champion.

NASCAR’s Playoff Committee has done its due diligence, lobbying, whatever in recent months and now it is down to the brass in Charlotte to make a final decision on what comes next.

There was apparently a notable increase in support for a return to the full-season championship on that Committee in the second half of 2025 - but the smart money remains on a tweak to the playoff format instead of massive change.

FOX insider Bob Pockrass maintains that view to this day, as he pointed out when answering fans on social media.

Bob Pockrass on NASCAR playoff format

He said: “I've said all along I don't think NASCAR will go to 36-race full-season format. I think NASCAR likes at least one-time reset and ability for more drivers to have shot over last couple months. Also with reset, less incentive during regular season to race hurt for a race or two.”

If Pockrass is right, it’s likely we retain playoffs (sorry folks) but likely with a change to the format. The most popular option appears to be moving to a 3-3-4 postseason sched which sees the last men/women standing battling it out for the title over four races, not one.

If NASCAR did make the seismic decision to move to a full-season championship, surely there would also be some significant obstacles to negotiate, notably that relatively new $7.7bn TV rights deal. It only started in 2025 and the ink is not even dry yet.

If you were NBC for example and had paid up on the understanding you'd get a championship race to decide the title, would you happily let that deal ride on the basis that the final race of the season could now mean absolutely nothing?

The next question becomes ‘when’ we get the official confirmation on what is happening - we are less than a month out now from February 1 when the 2026 NASCAR schedule opens up at Bowman Gray Stadium.

When will NASCAR announce 2026 format?

Of course the sport has been reeling from significant off-track issues in recent weeks - notably the tragic deaths of former driver Greg Biffle (in a plane crash) and Denny Hamlin’s father Dennis (in a house fire). Any announcement right now would have surely seemed inappropriate.

Pockrass has his own take on when the reveal will come, admitting: “Don't know when the playoff format will be announced. Would think likely in next few weeks although would be mildly surprised if it is this week.”

For now, the wait goes on.