NASCAR Rumored to Expand Championship Round to Six Drivers Under Possible 2026 Playoff Format
NASCAR is reportedly exploring significant changes to its playoff format for the 2026 season, with one of the most-discussed proposals being an expansion of the final round of the playoffs from four drivers to six.
What We Know So Far
According to several sources, including Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, NASCAR may implement a 3-3-4 playoff structure: three races in Round of 16, three races in Round of 12, followed by a four-race championship finale instead of the current one-race showdown. Under these rumors, the championship round might include six drivers instead of the current four, giving more competitors a chance to contend for the title over multiple races. NASCAR has confirmed that its playoff format is under review and changes could happen as soon as the 2026 season. A working group—including teams, drivers, OEMs, Goodyear, and media—has reportedly been discussing different options.
Why This Change Is Being Considered
A few of the motivating factors behind this potential revision include:
Fairness Over a Single Race – Critics of the current format say that the winner-take-all single Championship 4 race can place too great a weight on one event, where bad luck (mechanical failures, weather, cautions) can disproportionately affect a driver’s season. A multi-race finale could reward consistency and performance across several tracks. Fan Feedback – NASCAR has heard from fans who want more drama and less randomness in the championship outcome. Expanding the championship round and giving more drivers a shot could help build suspense while being perceived as more equitable. Making the Postseason More Compelling – A longer final round with more drivers could lead to more unpredictable and exciting racing, potentially increasing fan engagement and viewership through more storylines in the final stretch.
Potential Downsides & Challenges
While there is enthusiasm around the idea, there are also issues that will need to be addressed if the change happens:
Diluting the Prestige – Some may argue that expanding from 4 to 6 drivers might lessen the prestige or impact of making the Championship Round. The current format has high drama because only the top 4 are eligible for the final race. Scheduling & Logistics – A four-race championship final could complicate the schedule. More races in the final round mean more travel, logistical challenges, and possibly conflicts with venue availability or television scheduling. Balancing Elimination Stakes – In the current format, elimination rounds sharply reduce the field (16 → 12 → 8 → 4). Expanding to 6 might require reconsideration of how many get eliminated in earlier rounds and how playoff points are carried (if at all).
What Drivers and Insiders Are Saying
Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace’s spotter, has been quoted as saying, “I’ve heard six drivers probably,” meaning there’s at least some internal buzz that the Championship Round could grow. Other insiders, including media personalities and NASCAR commentators, are also discussing the hypothetical format changes in podcasts and interviews, suggesting the idea is being taken seriously. Meanwhile, some drivers seem cautiously optimistic, noting that while changes could improve fairness, the details will matter immensely: which tracks are chosen for the finale, how points or eliminations are handled, etc.
What It Could Look Like
If this rumored format becomes reality, here’s a possible outline of how the 2026 playoff structure might work (based on current reporting):
Round
Number of Races
Number of Drivers
Key Features
Round 1
3
16 → 12
Standard elimination after these races
Round 2
3
12 → 8
More elimination
Championship Round
4 races
6 drivers
Drivers compete over multiple events, accumulate points or performance to decide champion
What to Watch Next
NASCAR’s Playoff Committee is scheduled to meet and narrow down potential formats. Official confirmation: currently it remains a rumor — NASCAR has not formally announced the change. How the details are decided — which specific tracks will be part of the expanded Championship Round, whether points carry over or reset, how elimination fairness is preserved, etc.
Conclusion
If NASCAR does adopt a Championship Round with six drivers and multiple races rather than a single finale, it would mark one of the most significant changes to the Cup Series playoff format in years. This change could shift how teams strategize, how fans engage, and how championships are earned — balancing drama, fairness, and spectacle in new ways. For now, the rumors are strong, but the final word has yet to come.
