Overview
- The 2026 title will be decided by cumulative points over a 10-race Chase with no eliminations, with the finale set for Nov. 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
- Sixteen drivers will qualify based on regular-season points after 26 races as the series retires automatic berths for winners and restores the 'Chase' branding.
- A race win will be worth 55 points, up from 40, while stage points remain in place and the separate 'playoff points' system is removed.
- There will be a single reseed to start the Chase, with the regular-season leader at 2,100 points for a 25-point edge over second, then 2,065 for third and five-point intervals through 16th at 2,000.
- Scaled versions will apply to other national series, with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at 12 drivers over nine races and the Craftsman Truck Series at 10 drivers over seven, following a broad industry review sparked by 2025 postseason criticism.