Ryan Blaney has proposed significant alterations to the NASCAR playoff system as the sport approaches potential changes ahead of the 2026 season. Expressing his views on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Blaney emphasized his desire to move away from the current “win and you’re in” postseason qualification, suggesting a system that places greater importance on points standings and rewards consistent performance.
Blaney Critiques Current Playoff Qualification Rules
Blaney spoke out against the existing format that automatically admits a driver to the playoffs after winning just one race during the 26-race regular season. He criticized the idea of securing playoff entry solely based on a single victory, regardless of overall points performance. Instead, he favors a scenario where only drivers who rank within a certain points threshold qualify for the postseason.
He also voiced support for increasing the bonus points awarded to winners. Currently, drivers receive a modest five extra points for a win, which Blaney argued is insufficient to highlight the value of winning races. He proposed a system providing as many as 20 bonus points to create a larger separation in the standings and place a stronger premium on race victories.
“I don’t personally like the win and you’re in type thing,”
Blaney said.
“I think you got to be top X in points no matter what guys they take, whether it’s 12, 16, whatever, I think it’s just those guys in points. Think you can put a bunch of more emphasis on winning, as far as a ton more bonus points for winning.
“You know, right now, I think it’s just five extra points for winning. Like, not even playoff points. Like, it’s just five extra. I think you can get, like, 20, put a big emphasis on winning, and the points gap is bigger there.”
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Support for More Races Deciding the Championship
Blaney also expressed interest in a playoff chase format resembling the one NASCAR used between 2004 and 2013. In that system, a pre-determined number of drivers qualified on points and then raced through a 10-week stretch to determine the champion. According to Blaney, such a format would reward consistent performance over a longer period instead of a one-race finale.
He outlined ideas about extending the championship showdown over 10 weeks, possibly incorporating stages where the lowest-ranked drivers are cut midway to heighten competition. This longer playoff interval would balance bonus points earned in the regular season with consistent performance during the playoff stretch. Blaney’s thinking highlights the value of a comprehensive and competitive playoff battle.
“I do think, personally, I would like to see some kind of, if you do a playoff chase format, I would like to see more races to the end with the final guys,”
Blaney said.
“… If you do that, and it’s your 16 guys, and it goes 10 weeks straight, and you have, you know, if you win a lot in the regular season, you have a bunch of bonus points to start it, and then it’s a 10-week sprint where you have to have some consistency.
“I’ve also thought about if you have 10 races to the end, you have five, then you cut off the bottom eight, and then you have five to the end, and those eight guys will race, and you just kind of carry over your points from the regular season and the first part of the playoffs, and then that goes on. I don’t know. I mean, there’s a lot of different scenarios out there, but I would be game for a change, you know, some kind of a change.”
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Commitment to Any Format That Rewards Performance
Blaney has made it clear he is open to whatever changes NASCAR might implement, whether it means returning to a 36-race season or adopting a new playoff structure. His main priorities are to eliminate the “win and you’re in” policy and increase the weight of bonus points and playoff races to better determine the champion based on consistent achievement rather than a single race outcome.
“But I think my biggest things are get out of the win and you’re in if you do a playoff format,”
Blaney said.
“And then again, if you do a playoff format, have more races to the end to determine your champion, or if they want to go 36 races that’s fine with me too. So, I’m all for whatever. But I guess those would be my couple things that I would like to see changed if they do switch around a little bit.”
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
NASCAR’s Playoff Committee Explores Various Options
NASCAR has formed a playoff committee comprising former drivers, team owners, media partners, manufacturers, track representatives, and independent media members to evaluate potential changes for 2026. One notable proposal under discussion is the removal of the one-race finale, which currently determines the champion. Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, who serves on the committee, shared that momentum is building among members to possibly revert to the traditional 36-race championship format that NASCAR used from 1972 to 2003.
This committee’s work reflects a widespread interest throughout the sport’s leadership in adapting the postseason to better suit both competitive fairness and fan engagement. The ideas shared by Blaney align with the committee’s explorations, underscoring a desire among drivers and insiders to see a playoff system that rewards both winning and steady performance over an extended period.
Looking Ahead to NASCAR’s Decision on Playoff Structure
As NASCAR approaches the 2026 season, the conversation about playoff format reform continues to intensify. Ryan Blaney’s views represent a growing contingent within the sport calling for clearer criteria that emphasize points standings alongside race wins, as well as a playoffs structure that rewards consistency over a longer time frame. Whether the playoff chase remains or NASCAR returns to a full-season points battle, the changes could reshape how NASCAR crowns its champion for years to come.
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