Chase Elliott has expressed strong approval for NASCAR’s decision to bring back the 10-race format to determine the Cup Series champion, emphasizing the format’s unique identity within motorsports. Speaking on Wednesday at the Daytona 500 Media Day held at Daytona International Speedway, Elliott praised the move as a return to NASCAR’s authentic competitive spirit, highlighting how the series stands apart from other sports.
Elliott Reflects on the Distinctive Nature of the Chase
Elliott described the Chase format as something
“really unlike anything else in sports”
and recalled how it felt genuine and original when it was first introduced. He noted that the name “The Chase” itself resonates with the essence of racing, lending a fitting and exciting tone to the championship fight. According to Elliott, the format never quite felt like a traditional playoff—and that suits the sport well, regardless of the coincidence of his name.
Consistency and High Performance Under the 10-Race System
The 10-race Chase layout aligns well with Elliott’s style of consistent performance, which he demonstrated by finishing on the lead lap in 32 of the 36 points races during both 2024 and 2025. He expressed optimism about his chances within this structure but acknowledged that it demands sustained excellence over multiple weeks.
“I like our chances, for sure,”
said Elliott, who is well-known as the Cup Series’ perennial Most Popular Driver.
Image of: Chase Elliott
“I think that you’re going to have to perform at a really high level for 10 weeks. There will be more room in there for you to have, I don’t want to say a bad day—you might get away with one bad day—but you’re going to have to perform at a really high level.”
Advantages of the Format’s Flexibility in Championship Contention
Elliott also appreciates how the 10-race Chase allows for more opportunities to recover from setbacks. Unlike previous formats where a single mishap could drastically damage championship hopes, this system permits challenges to even out over time.
“That was the case before, but I like the fact that it gives it time for things to come out in the wash. You know, if you have one bad pit stop, it doesn’t ruin your championship at Phoenix. That was the part that always was difficult from my perspective. Whether I was a part of it or if I was watching it, (it) was kind of hard.”
Significance of NASCAR’s Commitment to Its Unique Identity
Through Elliott’s comments, it is clear that NASCAR’s leadership is intentionally preserving a distinctive approach to defining its championship. By embracing its original Chase format, NASCAR aims to uphold a style of competition that feels authentic to racing and to its fans. This shift is likely to sustain strong driver competition and fan engagement in the upcoming seasons.
The renewed Chase structure encourages not just peak performance but consistent resilience, which should impact qualifying strategies and race-day decision-making. For Elliott and others like Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Busch, the format places a premium on sustained excellence over a meaningful stretch of races, adding depth to the championship narrative.
