NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kyle Larson says NASCAR's old playoff system 'ran its course,' Chase format 'benefits everybody'

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 6:52 PM ET

Kyle 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.

Larson, who is competing at the Chili Bowl this week, didn't get to see much about NASCAR's announcement of a new points format, but he's happy with what he does know.

"I think it's good," Larson told FloRacing. "I think the playoff [system] ran its course. I think now, it's gonna be a fair way to crown a champion and still produce a lot of excitement."

Kyle Larson: Chase format benefits everybody

In addition to his 2025 crown, Larson also won the 2021 Cup Series championship under the playoff format. But he's optimistic about the Chase format, which he never competed in as a driver, having been a Cup Series rookie in 2014.

Reigning #NASCAR Cup champion @KyleLarsonRacin shares his thoughts on the new playoff format. pic.twitter.com/siv9YhkBQQ
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 13, 2026

"I think it benefits everybody, too," Larson said. "At least you're contenders. It's really hard to win one race and win championships. I think top contenders who were battling for championships in the old system [will] probably all like this way better and feel like our chances of winning a championship are now higher."

Larson will look to begin his championship defense with a win in the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

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