The NASCAR season is well underway, and it seems the Cup Series playoff stage is almost set. There are just a few weeks until the Round of 16, and 11 of the spots are already set in stone. That’s because any driver who wins a race gets an automatic place in the playoffs. Some fans argue that allowing automatic spots is preventing better drivers from getting a chance to win a championship. NASCAR officials could be listening to their complaints as they make plans to change the structure next year.
So far, all but one of the current playoff drivers are sitting in the top 16 spots in the standings. Shane van Gisbergen currently sits in 31st in the standings, but is guaranteed a spot because of his win in Mexico City. This has many fans in an uproar, because it is unlikely that he would have earned the points necessary to get into the playoffs without a win. So far this year, SVG has only had one top-five finish and only two top-ten finishes. This lack of consistency in finishes and higher rates of DNF for drivers like van Gisbergen have some fans pushing for change.
The current “win and you’re in” method has been in place for over ten years and was last majorly revamped in 2017 to allow stage racing and playoff points. NASCAR executives say they’re looking at new formats for next season. They’ve created a working group to examine any potential changes for 2026, with the help of teams and drivers. It’s unclear what decisions could be made, but it seems that the Cup Series could follow some of the rules that Formula One enforces.
F1 doesn’t have playoffs; instead, the world championship is decided by the total points accumulated by drivers throughout the season. Each race awards points to the top ten finishers and the constructors. This system allows more competitiveness throughout the whole season. A change like this could also allow focus on the manufacturers. Not only would a team win and get points, but so would Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
Some fans are questioning whether all drivers deserve to keep their playoff positions. Van Gisbergen’s win brought up that point most recently. For example, he currently sits ahead of Chris Buescher in points, even though Buescher has over twice as many top-five and top-ten wins. While many fans believe that means he doesn’t deserve his guaranteed spot, not all former drivers are on the same page.
Seven-time Cup Series champion Richard Petty said that van Gisbergen didn’t earn a spot with points and consistent driving like other drivers, but instead is getting an easier pass. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. recently backed up Van Gisbergen’s success, saying surprise wins from different garages are what make the sport exciting.
No matter what new rules are added to the Cup Series, there is one thing that will never change. NASCAR will never let go of the playoff system. Executives have stated that while the quality of the playoffs can be argued, their existence will not be taken away. They argue that the playoffs bring out the best in all drivers and deliver better action to the fans after months of racing. The team is expected to make final changes before next season.
Fans claiming that a winning driver shouldn’t be part of the playoffs is NASCAR’s equivalent of being a Monday morning quarterback. The work from the teams and drivers to get race wins isn’t just luck. It’s practice, preparation, and strategy. The fact that van Gisbergen got his win on a road course also shows that he’s prepared to follow a different and interesting strategy that isn’t always considered in oval racing. If anything, it’ll make for a more exciting fight for points once the Round of 16 starts in August.
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