As NASCAR approaches potential changes for the 2026 season, Christopher Bell has been outspoken about the need to end confusion and controversy in the championship race. Bell insists the championship should be determined by performance across the entire season rather than relying on a playoff system that culminates in a single, high-stakes race. This plea for reform comes amid ongoing debates over NASCAR’s current playoff setup, which has been under scrutiny for producing unpredictable and sometimes contentious outcomes.
NASCAR introduced the playoff-style “Chase” format in 2004 to increase excitement by resetting points after 26 races and focusing the championship on a 10-race showdown. A decade later, in 2014, NASCAR enhanced this approach by implementing an elimination-style playoff with 16 drivers competing over 10 races, including three elimination rounds and a winner-take-all finale. While fans often praise the drama, drivers and insiders have criticized the format for its complexity and perceived unfairness.
Bell’s viewpoint aligns closely with traditional global motorsport models like Formula 1, where the champion is decided by points earned across every race, rewarding consistent excellence rather than clutch performances in select events. Speaking to reporters, Bell emphasized,
I think there’s only one true legitimate champion crowning format, and that’s to count every race. And I think that’s how you get a legitimate champion.
This straightforward approach aims to crown a driver who proves their mettle throughout a full season rather than just in the playoffs.
Despite his strong preference, Bell acknowledges the reality of NASCAR’s current setup, expressing cautious optimism about incremental improvements to the playoff structure.
I’m hopeful that there is a compromise on what we have now,
he said, highlighting the ongoing discussions by NASCAR’s playoff format committee which recently concluded meetings on September 25. The committee is evaluating feedback and considering major revisions for 2026, driven in part by dissatisfaction after Joey Logano’s 2024 championship win, which some saw as inconsistent with his overall race finishes during the season.
Industry insiders suggest there is growing support within NASCAR to return to a full-season points system, though opinions remain divided among committee members. The sport’s leadership plans to announce the championship format changes after this year’s finale in Phoenix, aiming to balance the desires of drivers, commercial partners, and fans. However, Bell remains pragmatic, noting,
I don’t think that we’re gonna get there, so I’ll take whatever they give us. Anything more than one is better.
Many drivers share this view, favoring gradual adjustments such as increasing the number of races that determine the championship or tweaking the elimination criteria, rather than a full rollback to the pre-playoff system.
Conflict Among Joe Gibbs Racing Teammates Draws Attention
While the championship format debate heats up, recent tensions within Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) have also grabbed headlines following a clash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. During the Cup Series race, teammates Denny Hamlin and rookie Ty Gibbs battled fiercely for 11th place, leading to an on-track incident where Hamlin made contact with Gibbs, sending him into the wall. This altercation raised concerns over internal team dynamics just before the playoffs intensify.
Hamlin later admitted he had
got too hot under the collar
and recognized that he pushed the situation too far. In the aftermath, JGR owner Joe Gibbs intervened by calling a drivers’ meeting designed to address tensions and restore harmony within the team. Bell, who nearly became entangled in the incident, described the meeting as productive but was careful to maintain confidentiality about its details. He told reporters,
I thought it was productive and hopefully we can do better moving forward,
and when asked if everyone shared this sentiment, he responded concisely, Yeah, I think so.
Bell did not hold back when assessing the severity of the incident.
I definitely think it is fair to say that a line was crossed. That was bad. We don’t need to have teammates get crashed,
he said firmly, emphasizing the importance of smarter and cleaner racing among teammates as the playoffs approach.
Reflecting on his own near involvement in the collision, Bell explained,
I don’t know because I couldn’t see it. I had a hunch Ty was gonna get the bumper… so I kind of rolled out of it easy. If he would have ricocheted off the wall, I would have been caught up in it.
Fortunately, Bell avoided damage, but his comments underscore how close internal rivalry can threaten the collective success of a team like JGR, especially when playoff stakes are so high.
What the Future Holds for NASCAR’s Championship and Team Dynamics
The debate over NASCAR’s playoff format is poised to define the sport’s direction in 2026 and beyond. Christopher Bell’s firm stance on awarding the championship based on consistent performance throughout all races shines a spotlight on ongoing dissatisfaction with the current playoff chaos. With the playoff format committee’s report expected after the Phoenix finale, NASCAR faces a critical juncture balancing fairness, fan engagement, and commercial interests.
Meanwhile, the internal friction at Joe Gibbs Racing highlights the delicate balance teams must maintain to maximize success while managing competitive tensions. How JGR and other teams manage their relationships under increasing pressure will influence not only their championship hopes but also the broader atmosphere within NASCAR as it evolves.
Fans and stakeholders alike are awaiting official announcements on potential playoff revisions. Bell’s pragmatic approach, combined with rising calls for clearer and fairer championship criteria, may herald a shift toward a more stable and respected season conclusion. Regardless of the final decision, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year in NASCAR’s ongoing effort to crown a deserving and uncontroversial champion.
"I think there's only one true, legitimate champion crowning format and that's to count every race."@CBellRacing wants to see the championship determined by more than a single race. #NASCAR
Presenting partner: @MyPlaceHotels pic.twitter.com/8zbUlGKmno
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) September 27, 2025
