NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch has expressed strong support for the organization’s revised playoff format, set to debut in 2026. After experiencing a tough championship loss in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series despite a dominant rookie season, Zilisch believes this return to a traditional points-based system will enhance fairness and clarity in determining the champion.
NASCAR recently unveiled plans to reinstate the classic “The Chase” playoff format starting in 2026, which features a 10-race postseason following a 26-race regular season. The top 16 drivers will qualify for the championship round strictly based on their points standings rather than race wins, eliminating the previous emphasis on elimination rounds and playoff bonus points. The driver who accumulates the highest points total over these final 10 races will earn the championship title.
Reflecting on the update months after his own challenging championship defeat, Zilisch welcomed the changes, emphasizing how the revised system brings back legitimacy to crowning the season’s best competitor.
“I definitely think all drivers are pretty excited about this—just the legitimacy of crowning a champion. I certainly think that, in the long run, this is for sure a better way to go. I think it’s good for everybody. I think a lot of people are excited. The fans are excited, and it’s certainly going to help put us back in a spot where the champions that we crown are 100%. All the fans can be appreciative of it, and there’s not going to be any controversy around it going forward.” Zilisch said (via new-journalonline.com)
Connor Zilisch’s perspective carries added weight due to his own recent experience. Last season, he led the rookie Xfinity Series while racing for JR Motorsports, securing an impressive ten victories and setting a record with eighteen consecutive top-five finishes. Despite this dominance, he was unable to clinch the championship after losing to Jesse Love in the winner-take-all final race, though he was recognized as the Rookie of the Year for his outstanding performance.
Zilisch’s Goals for His First Full NASCAR Cup Series Season
After an impactful rookie run in NASCAR’s secondary series, Connor Zilisch is now preparing for his full-time debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the #88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing. As he steps up to the sport’s top level, Zilisch remains focused on competing for wins regardless of how the playoff system evolves.
“Our goal, no matter what the playoff format is, is to go out and win each weekend. I think that goal remains the same. It’s going to be exciting to see how it all plays out.” Zilisch said.
Fans will have an opportunity to see Zilisch race at the start of the 2026 season during the Cook Out Clash exhibition event, held at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 1.
This shift back to a more straightforward championship model is expected to reduce controversy and enhance competitive integrity across NASCAR’s highest levels. With drivers like Connor Zilisch optimistic about the change, the sport anticipates a renewed focus on consistent performance throughout the entire season rather than a narrow playoff sprint. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this format influences racing strategies and the crowning of future NASCAR champions.
