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On YouTubeJeff Gordon News / The SportsRush / January 14
Steve Letarte Falls Back on Jeff Gordon’s Title Loss to Break Down NASCAR’s Modern Chase Format
The NASCAR Cup Series will return to the Chase format in 2026, moving away from the elimination-style system it has used for the past 11 years. While some
Kyle Busch News / The SportsRush / January 14
Kyle Busch Expects No Change in Drivers Resorting to Desperation Moves Even Under the New Format
The elimination-style playoff format that NASCAR used till 2025 was known for pushing drivers to make controversial moves during races. They had no choice but to cross some ethical lines to win when faced with an impossible situation.
Ty Gibbs News / EasySportz / January 14
Ty Gibbs is Poised for a Breakout Season in 2026
TULSA, Okla. — Sometimes a breakout season doesn’t start with a wind-tunnel test, a sim session or a carefully worded media tour. Sometimes it starts in the dirt, sideways, elbows up, with a 23-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver realizing he belongs anywhere he straps in.
Kenny Wallace News / The SportsRush / January 14
Kenny Wallace Makes A Huge Case for Bigger Focus on Drivers During the Season
Kenny Wallace has once again lined up behind Mark Martin, backing the veteran’s call for a fundamental shift in how NASCAR tells its stories. When the sport revealed its revised championship format, Martin used the moment to argue that the sport’s current biggest problem is not rules or points but narrative.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. News / The SportsRush / January 14
'I Was Falling Out of Love': Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Shocking Admission About Being A NASCAR Fan
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has probably been one of the very few NASCAR drivers to remain so deeply involved in the sport even after hanging up the helmet. Retirement did not loosen his grip on the sport.
Mark Martin News / The SportsRush / January 13
Mark Martin Demands Change From NASCAR Broadcasters and Media to Do Their Bit to Grow the Sport
Mark Martin has positioned himself as a bridge between NASCAR’s decision-makers and the grandstands, amplifying fan frustration over the playoff format and openly advocating for a return to a full 36-race points championship.
NASCAR News / Yardbarker / January 13
NASCAR exec says 'hand-wringing' about playoff format began after 2024 season
NASCAR officially revealed its new championship format on Monday, unveiling a return to a 10-race Chase that replaces the elimination-style playoff system that was used from 2014-25.
NASCAR News / Yardbarker / January 13
Kyle Larson says NASCAR's old playoff system 'ran its course,' Chase format 'benefits everybody'
Larson will forever go down as the final champion who won a NASCAR Cup Series title in the sport's playoff era, but he won't be too torn up to see NASCAR return to the Chase format in 2026.
NASCAR News / Yardbarker / January 13
Kyle Busch points out flaw in new Chase format that's a product of modern NASCAR
Busch has just about seen it all in his NASCAR career, including the sport's first "Chase" era from 2004-13.
Carl Edwards News / The Spun / January 13
Catching Up With NASCAR Star Carl Edwards
[Editor’s note: This article is from The Spun’s “Then and Now” magazine, featuring interviews with more than 50 sports stars of yesteryear. Order your copy online today, or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Carl Edwards stood moments away from NASCAR immortality.
NASCAR News / Yardbarker / January 13
Joey Logano reacts to NASCAR's playoff format change
The sentiment surrounding NASCAR's decision to move back to a 10-race Chase championship format in 2026 and abandon the playoffs has largely been positive,
Mark Martin News / Racing America on SI / January 13
Martin's Persistence Led to Massive Change in NASCAR Title Format
"I feel like we won. I do." Those were the thoughts expressed by Mark Martin on Monday afternoon, after NASCAR finally announced its anticipated new championship format.
NASCAR News / Yardbarker / January 13
Top five moments in NASCAR's first 'Chase' era
NASCAR on Monday announced the return of the Chase format to decide its champions for 2026 and beyond, where the top 16 drivers after 26 races will battle it out in a 10-race postseason for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
NASCAR News / Yardbarker / January 13
Tony Stewart set to make first NASCAR start in nearly a decade at Daytona
For the first time in nearly 10 years, Stewart will be back behind the wheel of a NASCAR vehicle at Daytona International Speedway in February.
Kyle Larson News / 5 GOATs / January 13
Kyle Larson welcomes NASCAR championship format change, says old system ran its course
Kyle Larson won a pair of NASCAR Cup Series championships under the win-and-in, elimination style championship format. Of course, he will always fondly remember that time period in his career.
NASCAR News / The SportsRush / January 13
NASCAR Executives Hail Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin for Massive Role in Bringing Changes in NASCAR
NASCAR does not always appreciate drivers speaking out against the organization or its rules. It expects obedience and prefers that drivers walk a straight line that does not upset investors or sponsors, and teams often expect the same.
NASCAR News / Racing America on SI / January 13
Bell, Larson Score Victories Monday at Chili Bowl Nationals
It was a stellar night for NASCAR drivers at the Tulsa Expo Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as festivities for the 40th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals got underway on Monday, first with the annual Race of Champions, and then with the typical Monday Night Prelims.
Ryan Blaney News / The SportsRush / January 13
Ryan Blaney Brings Back the Legitimacy Question Around Playoff System, Claims ‘Respect Was Lost’ in That Era
NASCAR has finally announced that the Cup Series will once again adopt the Chase format to decide its champion, following more than a year of ugly arguments and infighting.
Mark Martin News / The SportsRush / January 13
'It Was Pretty Ugly': Mark Martin Gets Emotional After Year-Long Campaign Bears Fruit
None would have been happier than Mark Martin when NASCAR announced on Monday that it would adopt the previously used Chase format for the 2026 Cup Series season.
NASCAR News / Yardbarker / January 12
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: NASCAR wasted time chasing fans that 'didn't exist' with playoffs
Part of what NASCAR was attempting to do with its elimination-style playoff format that was used from 2014-25 was create "Game 7 moments" that are often seen in the postseasons of stick and ball sports.
NASCAR News / Field Level Media / January 12
NASCAR brings back original 10-race Chase playoff format
NASCAR's Cup Series future will be a blast from the past as the original 10-race postseason returns in 2026 with 16 drivers battling it out for the title over the final two months.
Chase Elliott News / 5 GOATs / January 12
Chase Elliott reacts to NASCAR’s new championship format: ‘It is a really nice compromise’
Chase Elliott seems to like NASCAR’s championship format for the 2026 season and beyond. After NASCAR announced it would return to “The Chase” format to determine a champion, Elliott praised the organization for the move.
NASCAR News / Total Apex Sports / January 12
Chef Boyardee Partners with Hyak Motorsports and Stenhouse Jr.
Chef Boyardee is officially teaming up with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports team for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. It’s always cool to see a brand we grew up with jumping into the sport, and this pairing feels like a solid fit.
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