A collective sigh of relief might be underway for the fans as the likely return of the Nextel Cup Chase format gains momentum. Mike Forde is more than clear now: “I would be very surprised if the one-race championship is still around.” After Joey Logano’s 2024 Cup Championship, which came coupled with the worst average finish, the playoff format was under fire. This resulted in NASCAR considering a return to the full-season point system, a method last used in 2003. Can this be the final solution NASCAR needs for its woes?

When the Championship Format Committee first met in February, only one member proposed scrapping the playoff entirely. By the committee’s most recent session on September 17, the idea had gained significant support, with multiple key figures advocating for a return to

See Full Page