NASCAR’s championship format has always been a hot topic. Debates rage on over whether the current elimination-style playoffs truly crown the sport’s best driver. While many expected tweaks for 2025, NASCAR recently confirmed that the format will remain unchanged—for now. Instead of rushing into minor adjustments, the sport is taking a more in-depth look, leaving the door open for major changes in 2026 and beyond, and Steve O’Donnell is assuring that.

Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s most 7-time popular driver, has made it clear that any changes must protect the sport’s most prestigious moments. But how does NASCAR balance driver opinions, fan feedback, and long-term vision? On a recent episode of the Hauler Talk podcast, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell shared insight into how the sport approaches changes to its championship format, without revealing any changes in particular.

Steve O’Donnell assures a thorough process to tweak the playoff format

Chase Elliott made his stance clear at Bowman Gray: “I think it’s an extremely important decision… On how we’re crowning our champion every year and making sure that we’re not ever doing that the wrong way” As one of the sport’s most popular drivers, his words carry weight among fans and officials alike. His comments reflect a broader conversation that gained momentum after Martinsville and Phoenix last season. Should NASCAR tweak its playoff format, or is the current system the best way to crown a champion?

Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, addressed this very question on the Hauler Talk podcast. He acknowledged the range of opinions, citing Christopher Bell as one of the more vocal drivers on the issue. “For us, we can make a quick decision and kind of question, ‘have we really thought through all these variables?’, or we could really take the time and involve as many industry people as possible,” O’Donnell explained. This careful approach is why NASCAR chose not to implement changes for 2025, but remains open to adjustments in 2026 and beyond.

The decision to hold off on changes isn’t just about listening to drivers. It’s about ensuring fans understand and support the playoff format. Steve O’Donnell emphasized that different perspectives exist, with some favoring a single-race finale while others advocate for a multi-race format. “We have a whole committee that we’re putting together that’s gonna evaluate this… We may end up exactly where we are, but I don’t think so. I think there will be some tweaks,” he said, reinforcing NASCAR’s commitment to a thorough review process before making major changes.

Perhaps the most crucial takeaway from Steve O’Donnell’s comments is that NASCAR isn’t ignoring feedback. It’s carefully weighing every perspective before taking action. In response to fans’ claims that NASCSR never listens to them, O’Donnell explained the difference between listening and agreeing. He added, “No [we didn’t ignore you], we actually just decided to go a different route,” he said. The organization actively considers all opinions. But in the end, its decisions must serve the sport as a whole rather than individual interests.

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NASCAR follows in the NFL’s footsteps to fix the playoff system

NASCAR is considering a major shift in its playoff structure, with a rotation of the championship race as a key focus. Steve O’Donnell emphasized that a rotation is “really important” to keep the sport fresh, comparing it to the NFL’s rotating championship games. “It’s more complicated than just waving a checkered flag,” O’Donnell explained.

O’Donnell acknowledged that while Phoenix has hosted the championship in recent years, a constant location could become repetitive. He pointed out, “If (a driver has) won 45 Phoenix races in a row and the championship is there, it’s probably not a good look for the sport.” This has prompted the idea of a venue rotation.

NASCAR veteran and 2014 Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick also shared his thoughts on this in 2024. “I’d love to see Las Vegas Motor Speedway have a championship race,” he said. Well, of course, Harvick would love Las Vegas. The man has 14 top-10 finishes in 29 races on the track and two wins (2015 and 2018) to add to that. However, the idea of changing the venue is something that resonates with veterans of the sport and that is an encouraging sign for Steve O’Donnell.

The potential rotation could feature short tracks and intermediates, which are more likely to deliver an exciting atmosphere. Steve O’Donnell mentioned, “Wherever we can put on a great race… any oval where we can pull it off.” He stressed that community engagement and a passionate fanbase are essential for the new format to succeed.

It will be interesting to see how this rotation strategy develops and what tracks emerge as potential championship venues. NASCAR’s commitment to exploring fresh ideas while maintaining fan engagement could usher in a new era for the sport. With a focus on excitement and community involvement, the future of the Cup Series playoff structure looks poised for an exciting transformation. Where would you want NASCAR to host the 2026 Championship race?