Reigning Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has reacted positively to NASCAR ditching the playoffs in favor of a return to The Chase.

After consulting with a playoff committee throughout the 2025 season, NASCAR formally announced its new championship format in North Carolina on Monday, with the playoffs having been scrapped altogether.

There will still be a regular season and postseason, however, with the championship set to be decided by The Chase, which takes place at the conclusion of the 26-race regular season and over the last 10 races of the season, featuring the top 16 drivers based on regular season points.

Unlike the playoffs, there are no rounds or eliminations in The Chase. After the points reset, it is a straight 10-race fight for the Cup Series championship.

READ MORE: NASCAR's 2026 championship changes in full: The Chase, no more 'win and in', and more!

Kyle Larson: Playoffs ran their course

Kyle Larson wasn't present in North Carolina when the new format was announced; instead, he's in Oklahoma currently taking part in the 2026 Chili Bowl.

However, at the event, he was quizzed on his thoughts on the new format, and it turns out he's a fan.

“Just happy," Larson told Motorsport's Matt Weaver. "I think the old playoff system was exciting, but I think it also ran its course, and I think the style of what we’re at now with the racecar that we got, I think it deserved a format change.

"I would assume, I haven’t heard everybody’s comments on it, but I would assume anybody who is a previous contender for a championship with the playoff format is probably more happy that we have this format because I feel like your chances of winning a championship is higher for all of us now."

Larson continued: “It’s really tough to win, to make it to the round of four and then beat three other guys.

"Now, it comes down to 10 races, you can have a lot of belief in your team, like I do, and be consistent and hopefully win some races as well.

"It sounds like there’s more points paid for wins, so wins are still really important, and yeah, as always, [I'll] just try and do a good job."

When does the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series start?

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule officially gets underway at Daytona International Speedway on February 15 with the Daytona 500.

However, a fortnight before, The Clash exhibition will take place at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on February 1.

READ MORE: NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson guaranteed Daytona 500 spot