For over a decade, NASCAR’s playoff system has been the centerpiece of debate in the garage. Since its introduction in 2014, the elimination-style format has determined champions through a 10-race postseason capped by a one-race finale. Over time, this has created high-stakes drama. It has also drawn criticism for reducing the value of consistency across the 36-race season. Several drivers have voiced concerns about tweaks to the structure. “If anything, I just think the format in a way devalues a championship, especially in the Next-Gen era,” said Kyle Larson in January. Despite this, most have stopped short of calling for a return to the traditional points system. That caution has left a vacuum for a bold voice to question whether NASCAR’s pursuit of spectacle undermines its competitiv

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