‘Why fix something that’s not broken’, holds true for the NASCAR playoff format it seems. Kenny Wallace had initially supported a minor revision to the format, suggesting a three-championship race system to decide the victor. But now, he has applauded the promotion’s decision to retain the existing playoff framework for the 2025 season, citing many reasons including how it rewards those who perform when the stakes are high.
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The debate around revising the playoff format reached its peak when season frontrunners, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, did not make it to the Championship 4 last season despite their impressive wins throughout the year. This was in stark contrast to Joey Logano’s championship win, while his average finish for the season was 17.11.
Wallace’s approval of the existing format came in his latest episode of Coffee with Kenny, where he urged fans to look at the larger picture.
“I think that’s a great move because NASCAR has changed so much that it’s hard to get a handle and even follow the sport and I think that is an issue… NASCAR has got to stay the same,” Wallace stated.
Wallace highlighted the complexities and strategic depth required to handle the current playoff framework, pointing out how Larson himself has acknowledged his shortcomings.
Larson had led an impressive 1,687 laps last season. But merely leading the pack or racking up multiple wins doesn’t clinch a berth in the Championship 4. That requires strong playoff performances from the drivers, ensuring they bring out their best when it matters.
He then described Logano’s 2024 Cup journey as a legitimate victory. Wallace noted that while the Team Penske driver entered the playoffs with a decent regular-season average, it was his higher-level performance under pressure that set him up for victory. In contrast, Larson faltered when it mattered most.
Wallace added that the existing playoff system is better than those where a single poor performance can end a season. He appreciated NASCAR’s format for the opportunity it provides for redemption.
“They run every three races and if you don’t do good you get spit out. That’s pretty good. All other sports, they play one game and if you don’t do good, you get spit out… This is the only sport that gives you this much of a chance,” he argued.
NASCAR had earlier stated it would look at revising the format, before deciding to maintain it for another season.
Reasons behind NASCAR not changing the playoff format this season
Despite initial hints from NASCAR President Steve Phelps about possible adjustments to the playoff format at the end of last year, a recent competition briefing made it clear that no significant changes are on the horizon. Things could possibly be revised in 2026.
John Probst, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, articulated that while the call for change is acknowledged, they have not reached a juncture necessitating immediate alterations.
“But we hear the fans loud and clear and are looking at it actively,” assured Probst.
Probst emphasized the need and aim to keep the championship structure consistent and stable, resisting knee-jerk reforms based on annual performance trends.
