Shane van Gisbergen explains why NASCAR changed the Chase format, how it shifts focus from wins to consistency, and why his growing comfort on ovals now matters more than ever.

After a year-long process full of debate, options and simulations, NASCAR ultimately settled on a playoff format in the middle ground.

Now that Cinderella is out of the picture in the regular-season finale, Daytona's summer race loses one of its key elements.

NASCAR has changed its championship format several times over the years. Each version reflected the sport’s growth, competition, television influence, and evolving fan expectations, shaping how champions were decided.

Hendrick Motorsports, along with the rest of the NASCAR fraternity, has embraced the format shift with open arms, despite the outfit being one of the most successful teams during the three-race elimination era.

Connor Zilisch is too young to remember NASCAR's first stint using the Chase as its playoff format. Here's what he said about its return.

You'll recognize the new NASCAR playoff format. The organization will revert back to "The Chase" for the 2026 season.

The Chase format has won over most NASCAR drivers, particularly those whose consistency exceeds their win totals. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

For many fans, last week\"s announcement that NASCAR was returning to a modernized version of The Chase marked a welcome pivot into a new era for the sport. While the previous elimination-style playoff system provided plenty of thrilling moments,