Jimmie Johnson, renowned NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time Cup Series champion, has expressed his perspective on NASCAR’s decision to bring back the Chase-style championship format for the 2026 season. The new system, affecting all three national NASCAR series, shifts focus away from the winner-take-all finale and instead rewards consistent performance and racing victories throughout the year—a change Johnson has championed in his comments about the move.
NASCAR Introduces a Points-Focused Championship Format for 2026
The organization announced on January 12 at the NASCAR Productions Facility that it will end the elimination-based playoffs that have shaped the championship since 2014 in the Cup Series and since 2016 in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The reintroduced format aims to highlight drivers’ seasonal consistency and strong finishes, utilizing a points system that places a premium on both steady performance and race wins.
This moves away from the recent one-race decider, where the championship could be clinched in a single event, and signifies a return to the system that shaped many past champions’ careers. As Johnson noted, consistency will again play a crucial role across seasons for drivers and teams aiming for the top honors.
Reflecting on the adjustment, Johnson, who also owns the Legacy Motor Club, shared his outlook:
“It’s more about trying to win the war instead of the battle. Something that feels good and familiar about this point system and bringing back a championship that does reward consistency. We are trying to build that consistency within our team, within our performance on a weekly basis.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Owner/Driver
Legacy Motor Club Prepares for Changes in 2026
In addition to the format overhaul, Legacy Motor Club will see significant updates for 2026. Erik Jones, the No. 43 Toyota driver and a key part of the team, will work under a new crew chief. Ben Beshore, who previously led Jones’s team, transitions into another position within the club. Taking up the role, Justin Alexander brings experience from his time at Richard Childress Racing and previous collaborations with Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick, bringing fresh strategies to boost team performance under the revived championship format.
Jimmie Johnson Set for a Return to the Truck Series in San Diego
Jimmie Johnson is also set for a highly anticipated comeback to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. TRICON Garage has announced that Johnson will drive its No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in the series’ first race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California, marking his first Truck Series start since 2008.
The San Diego event holds special significance for Johnson, both professionally and personally. Sponsored by Carvana, a longstanding supporter of both the Legacy Motor Club and Johnson, he will compete at the new street race on a Navy base in his hometown. Johnson expressed his excitement for this unique opportunity:
“Racing in San Diego means everything to me – it’s home,” Jimmie Johnson said in a statement. “Getting behind the wheel of a Truck Series entry has been on my mind for a while. The competition is incredible, and doing it at a historic street race on a Navy base in my hometown? That’s special.”
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
“I’m grateful to TRICON and Carvana for making this happen, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to honor our military and celebrate where I’m from,” he added.
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver
Further Racing Plans for Johnson in 2024
While preparing for his Truck Series return, Johnson is also gearing up for the 68th running of the Daytona 500. He will participate as the 41st entry, utilizing NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional. Coverage of this crown jewel event begins February 15 at 2:30 pm ET on FOX, with additional updates and race analysis available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Johnson’s presence continues to energize fans and spotlight his ongoing commitment to the sport.
This combination of changes—a reimagined championship system and top-tier drivers like Johnson taking on new roles—signals an exciting era for NASCAR. The focus on consistency, adaptive teamwork, and the return of veteran champions promises to reshape the races and energize the competition as the NASCAR community moves forward into 2026 and beyond.
Consistency is key in The Chase. pic.twitter.com/14rzVNEf7r
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 13, 2026
