"I still like you": Chris Rice pushes back at angry fan as NASCAR playoff debate sparks heated exchange

The debate around NASCAR’s playoff system reignited after Chris Rice addressed fan frustration over the ongoing delay in announcing the sport’s next championship format. In a conversation with Kenny Wallace, the Kaulig Racing CEO, said that the younger fans want playoffs, explaining why talks had slowed and why the governing body is still weighing options, which triggered a strong reaction online.

Speaking with Wallace, Rice said in the Kenny Conversation:

“The traditional way of doing points would be tough to do in this era because we are looking towards a younger group of people... There might be one car on the lead lap, and somebody’s winning the point series by 487 points. That ain’t exciting to the young guy or the young woman.” (1:37 onwards)

Those comments didn’t sit well with the fans. One X user posted a meme reply, venting frustration at the industry narrative for ignoring younger viewers:

“I’m sick of people in the industry like @C_Rice1 trying to gaslight me that full season points wouldn’t work for the younger audience. I’m in that key demo you’re chasing, and yet I get ignored when I say I want full-season points.”

Chris Rice reposted the message and responded:

“Well I’m disappointed you hate me, but it’s OK. I still like you. Why not send in how you would like the points to look and that would help. And what age you are — that would definitely help. But remember, I don’t make the points system.”

For two decades, NASCAR’s playoff format has been a lightning rod. The Latford-style full-season points era rewarded consistency across 36 races. The “Chase” added a playoff-style reset in 2003. The modern 3-3-3-1 elimination format, introduced in 2014, built toward one winner-take-all finale. It created drama and a variety of champions, but fueled criticism that luck could outweigh performance.

Fans are split between these three formats, with most rooting for a 36-race full-season style. They feel that the unpredictability of the single-race finale cheapens the grind. Even Kenny Wallace called for restraint, urging people to disagree without abuse.

NASCAR leadership had already acknowledged the tension. In the 2025 State of the Sport, president Steve O'Donnell said:

“As you look at the future of the sport, making sure that a driver who has delivered all season long, has the ability to be named a champion, and not have something maybe come down to one race. So, that's really been the focal point is. We want to reward winning. We're going to continue to do that, whatever model we come up with... but the one race thing has been a factor of... a lot of circumstances that can happen.”

Insiders expect the playoffs to remain, and the final round is likely to expand. However, the sanctioning body is yet to finalize, as the NASCAR Cup Series returns in 38 days.

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Chris Rice on upcoming changes: “(Kenny) You will like it”

Kaulig Racing President, Chris Rice, before the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at COTA. Source: Getty

Chris Rice understands why emotions are high, especially after Phoenix. Denny Hamlin dominated, leading 208 of 312 laps, only to see his shot evaporate in overtime after William Byron’s blown tire triggered the final restart. A strategy split decided everything. Hamlin took four tires, lost track position, and watched Kyle Larson, who took two, finish third and claim the title.

As speculation continues to spiral, Rice insisted the pause doesn’t signal failure.

“It got put on the back burner,” Chris Rice said on Kenny Conversation. “You’re gonna like it. You will like it... It’s not exactly what everybody’s posting about... They hadn't made the final decision, the last time I was involved. We need an adjustment. Do we need an overhaul? No. But we need an adjustment.”

Chris Rice also made clear he’s not advocating for a single-race decider to remain untouched.

“I enjoy going back to Homestead, but we don’t need one race to make the difference,” he told Wallace.

NASCAR insiders say January remains the target window to reveal what’s next. Whether it becomes a multi-race final round, a modified playoff reset, or another hybrid system remains to be seen.

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Edited by Mitali