As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, the sport is gearing up for significant changes and a return to familiar faces, creating anticipation among fans. The upcoming season will see the restoration of the Chase playoff format, alongside the comeback of well-known drivers like Jimmie Johnson, generating excitement linked to NASCAR’s earlier years.
Fox broadcaster Mike Joy hinted that other nostalgic elements from NASCAR’s past might also resurface, responding cautiously to a fan inquiry about the possible revival of the iconic Aughts-era mascot, Digger. Joy’s reply suggested that while the return may be unlikely, it is not impossible.
Remembering Digger: The Groundhog Mascot from NASCAR’s Earlier Broadcasts
Digger, a groundhog character, was a prominent part of FOX’s NASCAR coverage during the early 2000s under the direction of David Hill and with Mike Joy as a key broadcaster. Originating from in-ground camera features, Digger eventually expanded into animated segments and merchandise. Although the character received mixed reactions, it became a distinctive symbol of that era’s broadcast style, which combined storytelling with family-friendly entertainment. Mike Joy’s recent response has rekindled fond memories among fans for the innovative presentation that shaped NASCAR during those years.
Upcoming Races and Format Shift Highlight Season Transition
NASCAR is undergoing a notable transition this season, with the Daytona 500 looming just one month away and the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium scheduled within three weeks. Officials announced that the 2026 Cup Series would revert to the ten-race Chase playoff format, moving away from the previous elimination-style system. This decision marks a return to traditions favored by many drivers and fans alike.
Returning Champions Bring a Blend of Past and Present to the Track
Adding to the vintage feel of 2026 is the return of veteran competitors to prominent roles. New competition rules permit Cup drivers to participate in up to eight races within lower-tier series. Among those making a comeback are seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson and three-time champion Tony Stewart, who will both race in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Jimmie Johnson, a native of El Cajon, California, will race for Tricon Garage in the June street race held at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, marking his first Truck Series start on a road course since 2008. Additionally, he is set to compete in the Daytona 500 with a provisional starting spot under NASCAR’s Open Exemption.
Tony Stewart’s return also elevates expectations for the season. He will drive the No. 25 Ram Trucks entry for Kaulig Racing’s newly launched Free Agent Driver Program during the Truck Series season opener at Daytona on February 13. Stewart’s reappearance reinforces the atmosphere of melding historic legends with current competition.
Mike Joy Honors the Memory of Former Driver Greg Biffle
Outside of race preparations, Mike Joy recently expressed deep sympathy following the tragic passing of ex-NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. Biffle, 55, died in a plane crash near Statesville, North Carolina, along with six others. The loss has deeply affected the racing community, which has shared numerous tributes and memories in his honor.
“In these saddest of days, I’m genuinely uplifted by the tributes, videos and memories shared by our racing community and western North Carolina,” Mike Joy wrote on X. “Learning about the Biffles, the Duttons and Craig, we see how special and how loved they were by so many. Thanks for sharing.” – Mike Joy, FOX Broadcaster
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with authorities anticipating a preliminary report on both the cause of the accident and the pilot’s identity in the near future.
The Significance of Blending Traditions with New Beginnings in NASCAR
The combination of reinstating the Chase playoff system and welcoming back iconic drivers such as Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart highlights NASCAR’s embrace of its heritage while moving forward. This approach is expected to engage longtime fans who cherish the sport’s earlier era, as well as attract new audiences who appreciate competitive racing with storied personalities.
As the 2026 season unfolds, the potential return of nostalgic broadcast elements like Digger, alongside the dynamic presence of veteran racers on modern tracks, suggests a deliberate effort to balance respect for tradition with contemporary innovation in NASCAR.
Its a long shot, but I've learned to never say "never". https://t.co/C9Tfl6a4zL
— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) January 14, 2026
In these saddest of days, I'm genuinely uplifted by the tributes, videos and memories shared by our racing community and western North Carolina.
Learning about the Biffles, the Duttons and Craig, we see how special and how loved they were by so many. Thanks for sharing.— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) December 19, 2025
