Shane van Gisbergen has experienced the NASCAR playoff format from two viewpoints: as a fan and as a driver. While he once enjoyed the excitement the playoff elimination style brought to the sport, his outlook shifted after competing at a high level. His reflections on the format were shared during NASCAR Playoff Media Day, where he acknowledged how the system appeals to viewers but poses challenges for drivers.
Van Gisbergen noted,
“I’ve seen both sides of it,”
highlighting the contrast between his previous casual fan enjoyment and his current driver frustrations. He said,
“Obviously, watched NASCAR as a fan and as a pretty casual fan. I loved the playoffs because it’s so engaging, and you just want to know who wins and who makes the next round. I really enjoyed it from a casual observer. And then one race was awesome as well. I’d always tune in to Phoenix, but as a driver, I hate it. You would hate it if you dominated all year and you get to that point, but the fans are probably the most important thing.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
Concerns About Rewarding Season Consistency
Criticism of the NASCAR playoff system often revolves around the belief that it does not adequately reward consistent performance throughout the 36-race season. Entry into the 16-driver postseason bracket relies heavily on winning at least one regular-season race, which means a competitor can secure a playoff spot without consistently placing well in other events. This approach has drawn debate regarding whether the championship winner truly represents the season’s best overall driver.
This concern is particularly relevant to van Gisbergen, whose postseason qualification was secured only because of his four wins during the year, all on road course tracks. Without those victories, despite his impressive overall performance, he would not have advanced to the playoffs.
Van Gisbergen Proposes Expanding the Championship Finale
Despite his critiques, van Gisbergen appreciates how the current playoff system delivers compelling storylines and engages the audience. However, he suggests that the championship should be decided over multiple races rather than a single event. He explained his preference, saying,
“For me, you’d want three races and a couple more drivers to be involved or something like that. One race is a pretty small sample size to choose a champion, but it’s very entertaining to watch. There’s a lot of arguments about it, but I’m here because of the win and you’re in the playoffs. So, I don’t want it to go away too much. … Maybe the three races with six drivers or whatever to make it a bit broader. Some years, the best guy doesn’t win and it’s pretty hard.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
This multi-race finale proposal aims to reduce the unpredictability of a single-race knockout scenario, giving a wider group of competitors a chance to prove themselves for the championship while preserving fan excitement.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Playoff Format
Van Gisbergen’s views add to ongoing discussions about the evolution of NASCAR’s playoff system. As a driver with proven success and a growing fan base, his opinions carry weight in the broader dialogue regarding how the sport balances entertainment with fairness. Changes to the finale structure could address concerns about rewarding season-long consistency while maintaining high-stakes drama.
With his four wins tied for the season lead with Denny Hamlin among Cup Series drivers, van Gisbergen’s participation amplifies the conversation around what constitutes the best way to crown a champion in NASCAR. Adjusting the playoff finale could influence both drivers’ strategies and fan engagement in future seasons.
