NASCAR has confirmed its new championship format from this season onward, after criticism from fans and those inside the sport.
The Cup Series will revert to a 10-race 'Chase' format effective immediately, going back to effectively the same format used from 2004 to 2013.
The previous system, a playoff format which whittled down the field until a final one-race shootout between four drivers, has long been criticized for failing to reward the best driver over the course of the 36-race season.
The 'win and in' system has also been removed, with the Chase being run between the 16 drivers with the most points from the 26-race regular season.
NASCAR president Steve O'Donnell said: “As NASCAR transitions to a revised championship model, the focus is on rewarding driver and team performance each and every race.
"At the same time, we want to honor NASCAR’s storied history and the traditions that have made the sport so special. Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this format is designed to honor their passion every single race weekend.”
When does the 2026 NASCAR season begin
The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1 is the next race and the key first date for your 2026 NASCAR calendars.
The actual points-scoring races in championship terms start with the Daytona 500 on February 15.
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