Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion and current RFK Racing driver and co-owner, has expressed strong approval for NASCAR’s upcoming changes to the championship format planned for 2026, highlighting a renewed focus on rewarding consistency throughout the season. The official announcement on the new structure is scheduled for Monday, January 12, at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed across NASCAR’s digital platforms, intensifying speculation and discussion across the sport.
Keselowski’s championship format reaction has resonated within the NASCAR community, as insiders and fans alike anticipate how these modifications will shape competition moving forward. Details remain closely guarded, but Keselowski’s public comments point toward a system designed to emphasize reliable high performance over the entire season rather than rewarding short-term successes alone. Speaking with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, he remarked,
“It will certainly reward consistency at a much higher level and I think we’re excited about that.”
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Co-Owner and Driver
NASCAR Prepares to Unveil Long-Awaited Format Changes
For months, talk about the 2026 championship format has dominated conversations in the garage area, fueling anticipation ahead of the impending announcement. NASCAR is set to reveal full details of the new format in a publicized event, promising fresh insights into how the season’s champion will be determined. Kaulig Racing’s president recently suggested during a discussion with former driver Kenny Wallace that the majority of the fanbase will be pleased with the new structure, underscoring broad optimism around these changes.
As the sport approaches this crossroads, commentators such as Bob Pockrass and veteran drivers have weighed in on the significance of the move for NASCAR’s competitiveness and appeal, with many observers expecting the revised system to build on the organization’s legacy of adapting its title races for fairness and fan excitement.
Keeps Focus Despite Personal Setback
While welcoming the upcoming revisions to the championship race, Keselowski enters the 2026 season facing his own set of challenges following a skiing accident in December. The Cup Series veteran suffered a fractured leg and is actively working through rehabilitation ahead of the new year’s competitions. This injury means Keselowski will be absent from the Cook Out Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium—known as The Madhouse—on February 1, with Corey LaJoie stepping in as his temporary replacement.
Despite this setback, Keselowski maintains optimism about his prospects for recovery. The RFK Racing leader expects to return for the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s marquee event contested at the Daytona International Speedway on February 15, pending medical clearance.
Recovery After Skiing Injury: Keselowski’s Determination
The injury occurred during a family ski trip when Keselowski fell while exiting his vehicle, resulting in a broken right femur. Speaking with Bob Pockrass, the former champion shared insights into the severity and physical demands of this injury:
“It’s a really painful thing to break. It’s the biggest bone in your body, which is kind of the bad part about it. The good thing is it’s also one of the fastest healing parts of your body, so I’m just really dealing with the pain and trying to recover as fast as I can.” Keselowski said.
According to plans, Keselowski will undergo a medical evaluation at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 5, where doctors will assess his readiness to return to active competition. If cleared, he aims to rejoin his RFK Racing crew for the highly anticipated Daytona 500.
What the 2026 Format Shift Means for NASCAR
The unveiling of NASCAR’s revised championship system marks a pivotal moment, impacting key players like Keselowski and organizations ranging from established names such as Kaulig Racing to veteran drivers anticipating greater recognition for season-long excellence. With fresh rules expected to value sustained achievement, the series signals an evolution designed to engage both long-time fans and new followers.
As details of the new format emerge and champions like Brad Keselowski adapt, observers across the NASCAR Cup Series and the greater racing community will closely watch the effects on competition, storylines, and the quest for season-long supremacy. Keselowski’s championship format reaction, alongside his resilience in the face of injury, underscores both the unpredictability and enduring spirit at the core of stock car racing.
NASCAR will announce its new championship format Monday afternoon. Brad Keselowski said he expects it to reward consistency more: pic.twitter.com/1KDCXD1ZnV
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 9, 2026
