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NASCAR won’t make changes to playoff format for 2025 season

JHby:Jonathan Howard•01/27/25•

Jondean25

Joey Logano NASCAR championship
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Despite expected changes, NASCAR announced that there will be no difference in the playoff format for the 2025 season. Instead, a group is being put together to possibly make changes for the 2026 season.

The NASCAR Playoffs have received a lot of criticism over the years. Joey Logano winning his third championship last season caused an uproar. Despite winning the second most races on the season, Logano was seen as illegitimate by some.

Many felt that a slight tweak to the playoffs was warranted. However, NASCAR will keep the playoff format the same for this season.

In a media briefing, NASCAR clarified a number of rule changes. The playoff format was discussed, as reported by Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

“NASCAR’s John Probst says it won’t make any changes to the playoff format for 2025. … NASCAR will have a working group in 2025 to take a look at the playoff format for 2026. They don’t want to make small changes every year so this group will take a holistic view of the format.”

This is going to be disappointing for many fans. I will also say, that those 2026 changes better be substantial if they are talking about not wanting to make small changes every other year or so.

The win-and-advance and single-race championship round have started to grow weary with the fanbase. At least with a portion of the fanbase. There were minor wins in viewership numbers and other stats for NASCAR in 2024. Still, there are improvements possible.

NASCAR Playoffs will remain the same for 2025

Announcing playoff changes this close to the NASCAR season would have been tough on teams. While it is a long regular season, teams and drivers are strategizing for the playoffs from day one.

I think that NASCAR is focused on making bigger changes. Otherwise, they wouldn’t announce a working group for this specific issue a year in advance. If there is a surprise champion or late bloomer this year, there could be an outright revolt.

Joey Logano didn’t abuse the system. He did what he had to do and Team Penske has owned the Cup Series Playoffs for the last three years. Don’t hate the player, hate the game, right?

The NASCAR Playoffs have been the same for the last decade. A little bit of change won’t hurt anybody. Team Penske and everyone else will have to adjust, but whatever the format they are going to figure out the best way to raise the Bill France Cup in November.