Chase Elliott believes NASCAR has made the right call by bringing back its traditional Chase points format to decide the 2026 Cup Series champion.
The Hendrick Motorsports star has welcomed the change, arguing that the sport does not need to rely on artificial drama to create an entertaining championship battle.
Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images
Chase Elliott backs NASCAR’s championship change
For Elliott, the return of the Chase represents a move closer to what NASCAR is supposed to be, rather than an attempt to manufacture excitement through its championship format.
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“It feels better. It feels more like us. I think it represents our sport in a more real and raw manner that I think will just reaffirm that we never needed the gimmicks and we never needed the fabricated drama to create a really compelling story,” Elliott said during an interview with FOX NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass.
The 23-time Cup Series winner also reflected on how the 2026 season has unfolded and believes the NASCAR community has recognised that entertainment does not have to be forced.
The traditional Chase format sees 16 drivers qualify, with points reset according to their finishing positions in the regular-season standings. The championship is then decided over the 10-race Chase, with the driver accumulating the most points being crowned champion.
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Elliott believes NASCAR will ultimately be pleased with its decision to return to that system.
“I think when we look back, we’re going to be really happy that this is how we’re ultimately crowning a champion,” Elliott said.
The return of the traditional system comes after Elliott has experienced both success and disappointment under the previous playoff format.
In 2020, he reached the Round of 8 before winning the final two races of the season and securing his first Cup Series championship.
Two years later, however, Elliott found himself on the other side of the format. He won the regular-season championship and reached the Championship 4 race but could not finish the season as the Cup Series champion.
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The Hendrick Motorsports driver believes the change better reflects the sport and provides a more natural way to determine its champion.
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