When can NASCAR fans expect news on the new 2026 championship format?

One of the two biggest NASCAR storylines for the off-season has already been settled. What next?

While some questions over the future of the sport have been resolved, for now at least, by last week's settlement between the sport's administrators and the 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports duo, a number remain.

NASCAR and its playoff committee have promised to revisit the question of the current championship format this winter, but no answer has yet been given.

The current playoff format is deeply unpopular with both fans and drivers, with a single race at Phoenix deciding the destination of the championship trophy...for better or for worse.

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NASCAR Playoffs: What next?

The current system sees the field cut down to 16 with ten races to go, cut further by four drivers every three races until a final four-car showdown at Phoenix – or, if the system remains, at Homestead in 2026.

That format, however, is roundly despised. While it's almost sure to go, it's still unclear whether it will be replaced by a 36-race points championship, a ten-race chase, or some middling level of playoff.

NASCAR has openly admitted that it's considering a change to its playoff format for as early as 2026, but more than a month has now passed since the conclusion of the season without an announcement – and just six weeks until the season-opening exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Managing director of racing communications Mike Forde admitted last month that he doesn't expect the playoff committee to have to meet again, he wouldn't commit to a timescale any more clear than 'before the Clash at Bowman Gray'.

The most recent update came from Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass, who posted online in response to a fan question: "Wouldn't expect anything new on the points format for next year until January."