NASCAR’s Chase Is Back: Here’s How the 2026 Format Works

Aug 29, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA;Roush Fenway Keselowski driver Ryan Preece (60) celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn ImagesNASCAR’s championship format changed for 2026, so before the final 10 races begin, let’s make The Chase make sense.Following the 26-race regular season, the top 16 drivers in the Cup Series standings advance to The Chase. Unlike the previous playoff format