After the discourse that circled during the offseason of NASCAR, a major decision has brought fans back on their feet. NASCAR changed their playoff format.
During a press conference in North Carolina, NASCAR president Steve O’Donald announced that the 10-race chase has returned.
Honestly, this was the best news NASCAR fans received this offseason after last season’s playoff run left fans furious, myself included.
For context, last year’s playoff format gave drivers who barely did anything a chance at the championship trophy.
Looking at the big picture, this format was unfair for both drivers and fans. It’s not fun to watch mediocrity win big.
However, now that the 10-race chase is back, drivers will actually compete to get into the final.
By the end of the season game at Daytona International Speedway in August, drivers need to be in the top 16 of racers, which is measured by points. Then, those drivers will be entered into The Chase.
The Chase is ten races for the cup without any extra steps. No rounds, no eliminations and no questioning who belongs in the competition. The only thing that matters is the racing, which is how I think it should be.
Drivers are now more likely to compete with one another for the whole season instead of just winning a singular race that locks them into the playoffs.
With the last format, it just felt that drivers weren’t truly competing, as all they had to do was win one race to not compete for the rest of the season. I was sad to watch this as a fan.
With the chase making its return to NASCAR, I am excited to see how the competition affects drivers and teams.
NASCAR listened to the previous and current drivers, television providers, fans and journalists that make the sport so great.
The NASCAR season officially begins on Feb. 1 with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. With the new format, this season is bound to be super exciting, and I am all here for it.
