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NASCAR’s old Chase format is making the championship fun again

NASCAR brought back a Chase format it abandoned years ago. Now every driver remains eligible with three races left. Perhaps the answer was hiding in the filing cabinet all along…

By Greg Engle · Cup Scene

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 10:37 PM

Key Things to Know

Greg Engle argues that the 16-driver Chase format has made NASCAR's championship exciting by keeping all contenders mathematically alive.
Kyle Larson's points lead dropped to five after a late crash and DNF at Phoenix.
Tyler Reddick claimed victory at Phoenix, keeping his title hopes strong alongside contenders like Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Greg Engle argues that the return of NASCAR's 16-driver Chase format has successfully revitalized the championship battle without manufactured drama. Following the race at Phoenix, all 16 playoff drivers remain mathematically eligible for the title with only three races remaining in the season, contrasting with previous elimination formats that drastically cut contenders early.

Engle highlights how Kyle Larson's late crash and DNF at Phoenix cut his points lead down to just five points, opening the door for competitors like Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Phoenix winner Tyler Reddick heading into Talladega Superspeedway.

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NASCAR’s old Chase format is making the championship fun again

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