NASCAR inadvertently changed an under-the-radar playoff rule

Kyle Larson is onto something, and it can no longer be ignored.

By Asher Fair · Beyond the Flag

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 11:15 AM

Key Things to Know

Beyond the Flag highlights an under-the-radar rule change allowing stage points to count across all playoff races.
Kyle Larson criticized stage points as 'little participation awards' that have an oversized impact on championship standings.
NASCAR previously excluded stage points for title contenders in the Championship 4 finale under the former knockout system.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Beyond the Flag reports that NASCAR inadvertently altered a playoff rule by counting stage points in every postseason race under its return to the Chase format. Cup Series champion Kyle Larson criticized stage points as "little participation awards," noting their disproportionate impact on title standings despite holding a 49-point lead six races into the 10-race postseason.

Writer Asher Fair argues that NASCAR previously recognized the flaws of stage points by excluding them from the Championship 4 finale. The article contends NASCAR should eliminate stage points entirely across the playoff Chase races.

Read the full article on Beyond the Flag

NASCAR inadvertently changed an under-the-radar playoff rule

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