NASCAR fans are figuring out why ratings are dropping, and it’s not ‘playoffs’

Beyond the Flag writer Asher Fair argues that removing NASCAR's playoff format has failed to solve the sport's ongoing television viewership decline. Despite hopes that returning to a Chase format would bring fans back, ratings dropped across the first eight postseason races in 2026. Fair highlights that Kyle Larson's 73-point lead following his Talladega victory has essentially removed championship drama with two races left in the season.

According to Fair, broader issues are responsible for dwindling viewership rather than the abandoned elimination playoff format. The writer points to stage racing, on-track racing issues with the Next Gen car, and an overall lack of mainstream interest as key factors causing fans to tune out.