For the past several weeks, NASCAR has been teasing fans about the possibility of a new championship format that would replace the current “win and you’re in” and elimination playoff.
With Adam Alexander hosting, NASCAR’s Steve O’Donnell, and a panel including Hall of Fame drivers Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr; plus current drivers Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Blaney, the secret was finally revealed.
On January 12, via press conference, NASCAR’s Steve O’Donnell announced that the Chase is Back!
For the first 26 races – the regular season – the drivers will compete as usual to earn points toward the “Chase”. For the final 10 races, the top 16 drivers will be in competition for the championship.
NO more win and you are in!
The points for winning a race has increased from 40 points to 55. Winning is still an important factor to each race and the season; but so is consistency.
O’Donnell noted that after listening to the fans and the NASCAR industry, the new format was the best compromise. He added that the new format is also simple to explain and understand.
Dale Earnhardt Jr noted that with the new format he would be compelled to “plug in every week”; adding that it is now critical for the racers to have success every week.
Mark Martin said that the fans yelled that they wanted a format that included all 36 races; so he yelled louder…and almost got thrown out of the room. Martin noted that the new format was the best compromise they could have; adding that it was fantastic. Martin appealed to the fans to “come back”; adding that they were headed in the right direction.
Martin also had a note for the media, broadcasters, etc; saying that it is a time for change. It is a time to focus even more on our heroes; noting that the guys winning the races are the Pearsons and Buddy Bakers of today.
Chase Elliott said that they are all fans of the sport and wanted it to be better; adding that they all forgot how good it was with the chase format. Elliott noted that it is hard to make everybody happy; but the new chase format is something he is proud of as a competitor. He said to enjoy what we have and not be so quick to complain; adding that they are making history whether you like it or not and they have a pretty cool thing.
Ryan Blaney noted that the chase format is what he watched growing up; adding that he thinks a return to that will clean up a lot of the “racing stuff”. Saying that he is a huge fan and applauds NASCAR for listening, Blaney is looking forward to the upcoming season with consistency being a big part of it; adding that he hopes everyone is as excited as they (drivers) are.
Noting that he had nothing more to add, Chase Briscoe said that he was excited and a big fan of the new format.
Noting that everyone in NASCAR (drivers, owners, manufacturers, etc.) had a hand in the decisions Steve O’Donnell said they spent a year to a year and a half deciding on what to do. He noted that the tied had turned in the garage, so they did a lot of listening. He doesn’t expect the new format to be “a magic wand” but he is looking for NASCAR to “get back to who we are, hard core racing.”
O’Donnell said that at the end of the day, they needed to get back to the fans who brought us here.
Noting that there are a lot of variables in motorsport, Chase Elliott said that winning matters, as do points days and will all come out in the wash.
Dale Jr said that he remembers fighting for a spot to get to the stage and the pride in the work that it took to get there; adding that he loves the idea of watching the 10 race chase play out.
Mark Martin noted that the new format will not be enough for some but you can’t make everyone happy; adding that the new format is the best possible scenario and everyone wins with the chase format.
Saying they will learn some things along the way, Steve O’Donnell noted that keeping the 16 driver playoff format just felt right.