The Chase is back!

After an exhaustive review by the Playoff Committee and extensive fan feedback, NASCAR is implementing a new championship format that addresses three key recommendations: a larger sample size of races to determine the champion, heightened importance for each race, and a system that rewards consistently strong finishes while still emphasizing the value of winning.

Based on those recommendations, NASCAR is reinstituting the Chase for the 2026 season. The format features increased points for race wins and a renewed emphasis on consistent excellence to crown a champion.

What is the Chase?

The Chase is a championship format previously used by NASCAR from 2004 to 2013. In the NASCAR Cup Series, the Chase divides the 36-race calendar into a 26-race regular season and a 10-race postseason to determine the series champion.

Under this format, NASCAR saw several title battles come down to the final laps—from Kurt Busch’s narrow triumph in the inaugural Chase in 2004 to Tony Stewart claiming his third championship via a tiebreaker over Carl Edwards in 2011. Over its original 10-season run, four drivers won championships under the Chase format: Busch (2004), Stewart (2005, 2011), Jimmie Johnson (2006–2010, 2013), and Brad Keselowski (2012).

How does the Chase work in 2026?

For the 2026 season, the top 16 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series standings will qualify for the NASCAR Cup Series Chase and earn the opportunity to compete for the championship.

After the 26th race of the season, championship contenders will have their points reset for the Chase, with seeding based on regular-season standings:

  • 1st: 2,100
  • 2nd: 2,075
  • 3rd: 2,065
  • 4th: 2,060
  • 5th: 2,055
  • 6th: 2,050
  • 7th: 2,045
  • 8th: 2,040
  • 9th: 2,035
  • 10th: 2,030
  • 11th: 2,025
  • 12th: 2,020
  • 13th: 2,015
  • 14th: 2,010
  • 15th: 2,005
  • 16th: 2,000

At the conclusion of the ten race Chase, the driver who accumulates the most points will be crowned champion.

What about the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series?

The Chase format will be largely consistent across NASCAR’s three national touring series, with minor adjustments based on schedule length and field size.

In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, the top 12 drivers in the standings will compete in a nine-race Chase. In the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, the top 10 drivers will compete over seven races to determine the champion.

While the NASCAR Cup Series previously used the Chase format, 2026 will mark the first time champions in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series are determined under this system.

Does “Win and You’re In” still apply?

Winning a race will no longer guarantee an automatic berth in NASCAR’s postseason. However, race victories will now be worth 55 points - up from 40 - making wins significantly more valuable during both the regular season and the Chase.

How does EchoPark Speedway factor into the 2026 championship?

All EchoPark Speedway races across NASCAR’s three national touring series will take place during the regular season. In the regular season race to make the Chase, these events will not only be critical for race winners, but for the entire field.

EchoPark Speedway is a demanding track where victory and defeat are often separated by mere inches. The difference between completing a pass and being shuffled to the back of the field can happen in the blink of an eye. Drivers who rise to the challenge will earn valuable points toward making the Chase, while mistakes can have significant consequences when the postseason field is finalized.

Here’s how Atlanta’s NASCAR events fit into each series’ regular season:

  • NASCAR Cup Series: Race 2 (the Autotrader 400 on Sunday, Feb. 22) and Race 20 (the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Sunday night, July 12) of the 26-race regular season
  • NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: Race 2 (the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 on Saturday, Feb. 21) and Race 21 (the Focused Health 250 on Saturday night, July 11) of the 24-race regular season
  • NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: Race 2 (the Fr8 Racing 208 on Saturday, Feb. 21) of the 18-race regular season

Don’t miss the action

Every lap of every race will play a crucial role in determining NASCAR’s 2026 champions with the return of the Chase. Be here for the excitement as EchoPark Speedway leaves its mark on the championship battle. Tickets and camping accommodations are available for both the Feb. 20–22 Autotrader 400 weekend and the July 10–12 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend.