NASCAR is resurrecting a beloved championship format for 2026

Technology · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After years of a complex, multi-round playoff system that many fans found confusing, NASCAR is pivoting. The 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return to a championship format originally used in the Cup Series from 2004 to 2013, replacing the previous four-round system that included points resets.

The 2026 season marks a significant structural shift for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly the Xfinity Series). In January 2026, NASCAR revealed a new postseason format that abandons the recent system of four rounds and points resets. This transition occurs as the series welcomes O'Reilly Auto Parts as its first title sponsor since Xfinity did not extend their previous agreement. Additionally, Kaulig Racing will pause its program in this inaugural year.

Following 24 races, the Chase will be joined by the 12 highest-scoring drivers. Notably, the 'win-and-you're-in' rule has been scrapped. Regular season rankings will determine staggered Chase starting positions, while playoff points are abolished to maintain season relevance. The new structure replaces a playoff system that was criticized for its four-round format. This change aims to provide a clearer path to the championship for the top contenders.

This shift coincides with other major changes for the 2026 season, including a new title sponsor, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and a lowered minimum age requirement of 17 for road courses and short oval tracks. While Cup drivers can now run up to ten races in the series, they remain ineligible for points or postseason contention. The series also features a new minimum age of 17 for specific track types, creating a staggered age hierarchy across the three main NASCAR series. Furthermore, the 2026 season sees the Haas Factory Team switching its primary manufacturer from Ford to Chevrolet.

The season kicks off on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway and concludes on November 7 at Homestead–Miami Speedway. These changes represent a deliberate move to simplify the competitive landscape while rewarding consistent performance throughout the first 24 races. The schedule begins with the United Rentals 300 and finishes with the Hard Rock Bet 300. Several teams, including Viking Motorsports and Jordan Anderson Racing, have established new technical alliances with Richard Childress Racing.

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