Why Bristol Could Be the First Real Test of NASCAR’s New Chase Format

Apr 12, 2026; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson (5) at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn ImagesTwo races into NASCAR’s new Chase, the championship standings are already showing how quickly things can change.Kyle Larson left Darlington 49 points behind Denny Hamlin. One win at Gateway later, he sits second, just nine points back.Ryan Blaney experienced the opposite. He entered Gateway 16 points behind Hamlin before a brake failure en