Supercars have quietly done what NASCAR couldn’t. For all the noise NASCAR makes about growing a deserving champion, its playoff system remains the most divisive part of the sport. With the 2026 format still undecided, criticism is only getting louder. Former champion Brad Keselowski has repeatedly slammed the winner-take-all finale, saying, “There’s not enough talk about winning and winners (star power) but covering 15th for known elimination is easier for media storylines… it’s definitely a net loss for the sport vs the full-season format. Now is the time to fix this.”

The consensus is clear: the current elimination format creates chaos and affects the way the media covers it. But across the Pacific, the Supercars Series isn’t facing such issues. They managed to build a playoff that actually lets the racing create the story. As the Adelaide grand final approaches in a week, the stakes are as high as anything in stock car racing. And according to series director Tim Edwards, that’s exactly the point.

Tim Edwards reveals playoff format inspiration from NASCAR

Speaking to Matt Weaver, Tim Edwards said, ” So your commentators don’t need to artificially manufacture a storyline because there are so many stories through the elimination phase.” He went on to mention that the main goal should not be a forced narative, but rather an organic race that entertains the fans.

Supercars’ new final format is built on genuine competition, not spectacle. In this system, 10 drivers qualify for a three-round knockout run, first at the Gold Coast, then Sandown, and finally Adelaide, with eliminations after each round. Points are reset at the start of each stage (3000 for round one, 4000 for round two, and 5000 for the final 4), and drivers earn bonus points based on their regular-season performance.

Winners during the finals, for example, a race win at Gold Coast or Sandown, automatically advance, while the lowest-scoring drivers are eliminated. This structure ensures that every race matters, from Bathurst through to Adelaide, and that consistency over the season is rewarded.

That means the drama that unfolds in the finals is real, not produced in a studio. Unlike systems where restarts or cautions are used to stir up tension, like Denny Hamlin’s heartbreak at Phoenix, Supercars’ format puts the pressure squarely on the drivers. If you fault, you are out. Even after borrowing a little inspiration from NASCAR and super motocross, supercars flip that inspiration into a format where the rivals write their own drama on the track. The result is compelling racing built on merit and momentum, not on forced theatrics. NASCAR is more cruel.

Despite Hamlin, who has been chasing his first elusive championship for 20 years now, suffering some real heartbreak. After the final caution caused by William Byron’s blown-out tire forced the field to restart. With some blame on the 4-tire change during the pit cycle before the restart, Hamlin, who led 208 laps of the race, found himself in 10th place. Kyle Larson, who didn’t win the finale as opposed to Ryan Blaney, finished ahead of the Championship 4 contenders.

His third-place finish was enough to get him his second title, as the NASCAR playoff system still follows the winner-take-all system. Denny Hamlin’s 2025 season had come to a heartbreaking end, and the 45-year-old hasn’t shied away from calling out NASCAR on this. He believes that the organization punishes the winning team or driver more than in any other sport. The current system doesn’t reward season-long and consistent performers like Denny Hamlin, who won 6 Cup races this year.

And now, with NASCAR communication director Mike Forde announcing the delay in deciding the new playoff system for 2026, it is only causing more unease among the NASCAR community. For one thing is for sure, the championship will not and cannot be decided in a one-race finale. And as NASCAR builds towards fixing that, Austin Cindric, who is set to make his debut in the Australian series, has delivered his stance on it, not wanting to go up against the champions.

Austin Cindric wants no part in the Supercars finale result

At the end of the month, Austin Cindric will step into a completely new arena, making his supercar debut with Tickford Racing at the Adelaide Grand Final. It’s a fitting crossover, especially since this is the first season. Supercars has introduced its own playoff-style system. If there’s anyone familiar with playoff pressure, it’s Cindric.

The 2022 Daytona 500 winner has been settling into Australia. Cindric is learning the rhythms of a Supercar Mustang and embracing the challenge, especially the braking techniques. It’s an exciting moment not just for him but for Team Penske as well, with Scott McLaughlin openly thrilled to see another Penske driver take on the series.

Even with the spotlight on him, Austin knows the championship fight isn’t his to shape. Broc Feeney, Chaz Mostert, Will Brown, and Kai Allen are battling for the title, and he’s determined not to disturb the storyline. Speaking to Supercars.com, he said, “First of all, I definitely don’t want to have any effect on what happens at the end of the day. You know, whether that’s causing a caution or racing guys that are at the most important part of the year that they’ve raced all year for. Very aware of what’s on the line, just because I’ve been on the other side. There’s a ton of similarities between The Finals and our playoff system. How it’s structured, what it rewards.”

In many ways, NASCAR and Supercars feel more connected than ever. The Next Gen car took inspiration from Supercars’ Gen3 design, and now both series share a playoff-style championship format. Cindric couldn’t help but rally behind the Gen 3 design. With Cindric stepping into the mix, the relationship feels even more intertwined, two racing worlds running parallel and meeting in one high-stakes finale.