“You will like it”: Kaulig Racing boss teases major NASCAR playoff ‘adjustment’ for 2026 season

The 2026 NASCAR championship format has long been the most debated topic in the garage area. As the new season approaches, Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice addressed the format delay and what comes next, suggesting that a significant adjustment is coming to the 2026 playoff format.

Speaking to Kenny Wallace, Rice revealed that while the playoff conversation briefly hit the ‘back burner,’ high-level talks involving figures like NASCAR executive Mark Warren have regained momentum. He clarified that the sport isn't looking to scrap the entire playoff format but rather refine it.

During “The Kenny Wallace Show,” the Kaulig Racing boss spoke about the changes to the new playoff format and said:

“I'll be honest with you. It got put on the back burner, and I talk to Mark Warren… You're gonna like it. You will like it… it's not exactly what everybody's posting about. Like, I don't think... They had 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.”

NASCAR is evaluating significant changes to its current format that could take effect in 2026. Fans and the team are waiting to see what changes will take place. The current Cup elimination-style playoff format was introduced in 2014.

Rice was further concerned about the current Championship 4 format, where a single race determines the champion. This year’s season-finale race will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He admitted that he enjoys racing at Homestead, but he doesn’t believe a change in single-track for next season fixes the broader issue.

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“I feel like 75% of the people are going to love it”: Chris Rice on new NASCAR format

While NASCAR has not released official details regarding the format, Chris Rice believes the majority of the fanbase will love what NASCAR has planned.

In the aforementioned interview, Rice said:

“I feel like 75% of the people are going to love it, 10% are going to be, ‘Ah, okay.’ Right? And that's going to leave 15% of the people that's going to hate it.”

While many longtime fans advocate for a return to the traditional season-long points system, Rice suggested that system may not resonate with the younger generation.

“Yeah. So, with that being said, the traditional way of doing points would be tough to do in this era- Yeah. ... uh, because we are looking towards a younger group of people,” Rice continued.

The 2026 Cup Series season is set to kick off with the preseason Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, before the Daytona 500.

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Edited by Yash Soni