NASCAR is at a crossroads, and the future of its championship format is sparking heated debates. Could a return to the 36-race points system be the key to revitalizing the sport? Brad Keselowski, a NASCAR champion, team owner, and driver, believes it might be. But here's where it gets controversial: while some see this as a nostalgic step backward, others argue it’s the only way to restore the sport’s former glory. Let’s dive into why this idea is gaining traction and whether it’s truly the best path forward.
During a recent media session at Talladega, Keselowski was asked about the growing calls to ditch the current playoff system in favor of a more traditional 36-race points-based championship. His perspective is uniquely valuable, given his dual role as both a competitor and a team owner. Keselowski didn’t hold back, offering a thoughtful analysis that sheds light on the sport’s identity crisis.
“NASCAR has always been a sport where the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” Keselowski noted, via Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. “But lately, the drumbeat for the 36-race format has been impossible to ignore. Why? Because more and more people are realizing it might be the best thing for the sport’s long-term health.” This shift in momentum, sparked by voices like Mark Martin’s social media advocacy, has turned what once seemed like a pipe dream into a legitimate possibility.
Keselowski’s argument isn’t just about nostalgia. He points out that NASCAR was originally built on the idea of races leading to a championship, not the other way around. “Somewhere along the line, we’ve flipped that script,” he explained. “The playoff format, while exciting, has diluted the significance of individual races. We need 38 big events that feel like they matter, not just a handful of high-stakes playoff rounds.” This is the part most people miss: the current format, he argues, has stripped away the ‘big-event feel’ that made NASCAR a cultural phenomenon in decades past.
But is Keselowski right? And even if he is, will the France family, who ultimately control NASCAR’s direction, listen? As of now, a modified playoff format is on the table for 2026, but nothing is set in stone. Here’s the real question: Can NASCAR thrive by returning to its roots, or is the playoff system the evolution the sport needs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
