Brad Keselowski has sparked major interest in the upcoming NASCAR season by previewing dramatic changes to the championship format set to arrive in 2026. During preparations in Avondale, AZ, Keselowski hinted that the future structure of the NASCAR Cup Series will place stronger value on consistency, significantly impacting how drivers pursue the title.
A Major Overhaul Ends a 12-Year Era
For over a decade, NASCAR’s championship has revolved around a four-round, 10-race playoff format introduced in 2014. Sixteen drivers earned postseason spots after a 26-race schedule, with the knockout phase eventually crowning the champion. This system replaced the earlier “Chase for the Cup” era that ran from 2004 to 2013, itself one of the sport’s most debated periods. Now, after ongoing complaints regarding fairness and controversy—such as Joey Logano taking home a title while finishing only 15th in regular season points—the organization has decided to make significant adjustments for 2026.
Bob Pockrass, well-known NASCAR journalist, shared via social media that the official announcement for NASCAR’s revised championship process will be disclosed on Monday afternoon. The news leaves many fans and competitors eagerly anticipating precise details, as the implications could be wide-ranging across the industry.
Keselowski Highlights Focus on Consistency
Speculation continues to swirl about the specific shape of the new playoff system, with some rumors suggesting a possible return to a full-season championship framework. However, with NASCAR establishing a dedicated playoff committee for decision-making, the option of eliminating postseason points altogether is seen as unlikely.
Brad Keselowski, one of the key championship contenders, recently lent his perspective on the nature of these changes, providing a rare glimpse into the thinking behind the switch. Emphasizing the shift, Keselowski stated,
“It will certainly reward consistency at a much higher level,”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The former champion’s remarks align with persistent complaints from fans and traditionalists that the current system sometimes undervalues season-long performance. Legends like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Richard Petty earned their titles under previous iterations that many connect to NASCAR’s glory years. Now, a format that truly values consistency could be set to return, possibly moving closer to the “Chase” structure admired two decades ago.
Rumors Point Toward a Return to the Past
Recent leaks and insider reports suggest that NASCAR may revive the ten-race playoff system, which originally included the top ten drivers in the standings. Later, this was expanded to twelve, incorporating a Wild Card feature to allow additional drivers with the most victories to enter the postseason. This formula, linked to NASCAR’s peak popularity, might offer a fresh but familiar way to crown a champion in the eyes of both teams and fans.
Kenselowski did not shy away from expressing the widespread sense of anticipation among drivers regarding the format’s shift. He noted,
“I think we’re all excited about that,”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The new approach aims to reward those who demonstrate excellence and reliability throughout the entire year, instead of making the title race hinge on a single late-season performance or unpredictable incident. Modifying the championship rules could help restore confidence in the crown’s legitimacy and increase suspense over each week’s results.
Brad Keselowski’s Personal Battle to Return
Off the track, Keselowski himself faces a significant hurdle ahead of the 2026 campaign. The veteran driver, representing RFK Racing, recently suffered a broken right femur during a December ski trip, ruling him out for the preseason Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Reserve driver Corey LaJoie is set to fill his seat during the event, as Keselowski explained,
“I will not be running the Clash,”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“This is part of the reason I wanted to talk to you about. We’re going to put Corey LaJoie in to run the Clash. So he’s pretty excited.”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
His rehabilitation at Atrium Health, involving multiple hours of intense therapy daily, is proceeding as planned. Keselowski’s recovery regimen encompasses comprehensive workouts and extended icing sessions, with medical professionals indicating an 8-12 week timeline for complete healing. The 41-year-old hopes to complete a supervised medical test at Charlotte Motor Speedway on February 5, in compliance with NASCAR rules that allow a closed tire-limited evaluation to confirm his race readiness.
Kenselowski made it clear that his return for the Daytona 500 remains his primary goal. He will only be cleared to compete if he is medication-free, able to move well independently, exit the car unaided, and demonstrates healthy bone regeneration. While missing the Clash is an inconvenience, he sees it as a minor sacrifice to ensure full strength for the start of NASCAR’s biggest race.
What This Means for NASCAR’s Future
The introduction of a new championship format—and the fanfare surrounding it—signals a potential turning point for NASCAR as it aims to reconnect with longtime followers and honor its storied past. By rebalancing the system to highlight year-long excellence rather than last-minute heroics, the governing body appears to be listening to calls for a championship that accurately rewards top-performing drivers.
As anticipation builds ahead of the formal announcement, drivers such as Brad Keselowski, who embody both experience and competitive spirit, are well-positioned to benefit from a landscape where reliability and week-to-week strength carry more weight. The changes could also rekindle rivalries and add depth to each race’s stakes, making every lap count in the pursuit of the sport’s top prize. NASCAR fans, old and new, will be watching closely as more details emerge and a fresh chapter in the Cup Series championship begins.
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
