Particle.news
Download on the App Store

NASCAR Brings Back 10-Race 'Chase' for 2026, Drops Eliminations and Win-and-In

The overhaul aims to reward performance each week after a two-year review prompted by fan frustration.

Overview

  • The Cup title will go to the driver with the most points across the final 10 races, concluding Nov. 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
  • The Chase field will be the top 16 in regular-season points with no automatic berths for race winners.
  • A victory will be worth 55 points instead of 40, while stage points and all other position points remain unchanged.
  • Chase entrants will be reseeded to start: the points leader begins at 2,100 with a 25-point edge, descending in set intervals to 2,000 for 16th.
  • The model applies to the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck series with adjusted field sizes, and NASCAR is retiring the 'playoffs' terminology.