Chase Elliott Praises NASCAR's Return to Traditional Chase Points Format

Chase Elliott, a prominent NASCAR Cup Series driver, has enthusiastically endorsed NASCAR's strategic shift back to the traditional Chase points format for crowning the 2026 champion. This decision marks a significant departure from the previous elimination-style playoffs, a move widely praised within the sport. Elliott articulated that the new system "feels more like us," suggesting it authentically represents NASCAR's core identity without the need for manufactured drama. He expressed confidence that this return to a more traditional method of determining a champion will be viewed favorably in retrospect.

Despite benefiting from the previous format in his 2020 championship run, Elliott acknowledges experiencing its challenges, including finishing second in 2022 despite winning the regular season title. As the 2026 Chase commences, Elliott enters as the eighth seed, 60 points behind the leader. He is currently seeking his second Cup Series championship, which would place him among a select group of multi-time champions. His performance in recent races has been inconsistent, with only one top-10 finish in his last 12 starts, making his pursuit of a second title a significant challenge.