NASCAR’s playoffs are at a crossroads. Since 2017, the 16-driver elimination format has delivered edge-of-your-seat moments and tense finales. Yet critics argue it sometimes overshadows season-long consistency, leaving questions about who truly deserves the championship. With viewership showing signs of slipping, the debate over how the sport crowns its champion has further intensified. Fans are already buzzing online, hinting that a bigger shake-up could be on the horizon.
Before the playoffs, NASCAR relied on a season-long points system that rewarded steady performance across every race. That approach kept drivers and fans engaged for the long haul, emphasizing reliability and strategy rather than just peak moments. Then, the modern playoff system brought excitement. Along with it, it a