NASCAR is a sport steeped in tradition and raw speed, and it has not been very comfortable with change in general. Take the playoff format for instance; it’s been more than two decades since it was put into play but yet the garage and fans alike still haven’t been very happy with it. In fact, when the 2026 Cup Series schedule was released, a nagging question lingered: Would the often-criticized playoff format finally change? For now, the answer is no. However, that isn’t the final call.

In light of this growing sentiment for change, NASCAR has proactively sought input and considered other options. The objective is to evolve the championship format to appeal more to fans while ensuring that the process remains a fair and true test of skill. Recently, Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy has given an update on it from his seat, and it seems like a hopeful one.

Kennedy and the committee are working on other formats 

Although no immediate changes were announced for the 2026 schedule, NASCAR’s playoff format is under serious review. In a recent interview, Kennedy said, “I know the playoff committee has had a number of meetings over the past several months on different formats that we could look at, and they’ve run a handful of simulations on just various formats, collected some fan feedback.” 

The playoff debate, which has simmered for years, reached a “fever pitch” after Joey Logano claimed his third championship. Critics argue that the current “win-and-you’re-in” system doesn’t reward the best driver over a full season, and Logano’s title run, which included a statistically low average finish, is often cited as proof.

Even respected veterans like Mark Martin, who witnessed the sport’s evolution, have criticized the format’s winner-take-all finale. The growing discontent has prompted NASCAR to seriously consider alternatives. Kennedy added, “What I would say, though, is you know, we want to make sure that we take time, do it right. They collect much information can and hopefully whatever this new form, if there’s any form, at something will last long. So, wanna be thoughtful, diligent about it, makes really make the right decisions in news, and give both our fans and their competitors something that, that they can be really proud of going forward. So, more to come on in the future.”

Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin has also been a vocal opponent of the current system, arguing that it fails to consistently reward the best driver over the course of an entire season. According to him, luck plays a big role in the system: “We have luck involved in our sport more so than any other sport…So that argument doesn’t hold up at all.”

Thus, Kennedy’s words imply that he and NASCAR do not want to rush things. And they definitely do not want to repeat the mistakes of their past, which is why they are taking time to figure out a new format that won’t backfire like the current one. Despite the lack of immediate changes for next year, the playoff format remains under serious consideration for a significant overhaul in times to come. 

Where will NASCAR hold its 2026 playoffs?

Talladega Superspeedway is set to be a key player in the 2026 NASCAR season, with two high-profile race weekends on the newly released schedule. The track will not only host its traditional spring race but will also serve as a crucial playoff stop in the fall.

The first of Talladega’s two events will be a spring race on Sunday, April 26, 2026, featuring the NASCAR Cup Series alongside the newly named NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for the second-tier racing. 

Coming in October, Talladega will return as a pivotal part of the NASCAR Playoffs’ Round of 8. The Superspeedway’s reputation for unpredictable, high-speed finishes makes it an ideal venue for a playoff elimination race. As Talladega Superspeedway President put it, “There’s nothing like seeing the fans on their feet watching the full field come roaring out of Turn 4 to take the green flag, knowing anyone can win at Dega and get a shot at chasing championship glory.” 

The track’s dramatic finishes were on full display earlier this year when Austin Cindric secured a playoff spot with a photo-finish victory over Ryan Preece at the Jack Link’s 500. This win underscored the high-stakes, unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing at the Dega.