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NASCAR Revamps Playoff Format to Boost 2026 Viewership

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NASCAR will implement changes for the 2026 season to address declining viewership by restoring the "The Chase" playoff format.
The Chase will include 10 Cup Series races, nine O’Reilly Series races, and seven Trucks Series races, with points resetting and the winner earning 2,100 points and 55 for race winners.
The fastest lap points will be removed after garage repairs, and the O’Reilly Series minimum age will drop to 17.

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Story summary

NASCAR will implement changes for the 2026 season to address declining viewership by restoring the "The Chase" playoff format.
The Chase will include 10 Cup Series races, nine O’Reilly Series races, and seven Trucks Series races, with points resetting and the winner earning 2,100 points and 55 for race winners.
The fastest lap points will be removed after garage repairs, and the O’Reilly Series minimum age will drop to 17.