NASCAR Analyst Picks Ryan Blaney to Benefit Most from New Chase Format

Kevin Harvick weighs in on why Blaney's consistency could give him an edge under the new rules.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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FOX Sports analyst Bob Pockrass believes NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney will benefit the most from the new 10-race Chase format being implemented for the 2026 season. Pockrass cited Blaney's consistency, having finished in the top 10 in each of the last seven seasons, as a key factor. Kevin Harvick agreed, noting that Blaney's Penske Racing team has shown an ability to "grind it out" and secure good finishes even on days the car doesn't perform at its best, which could be crucial under the new format.

Why it matters

The new Chase format is a significant change to NASCAR's championship system, and identifying which drivers are best positioned to thrive under the new rules is important for fans and teams alike as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The details

Pockrass said he looked for reasons not to pick Blaney but ultimately couldn't, noting the driver's consistency and the Penske team's ability to "make it through each round and go into Phoenix and being strong." Harvick added that Blaney's Penske teammates, like Joey Logano, have shown the ability to "grind it out" and secure good finishes even on subpar performance days, which could be crucial under the new format.

  • The 2026 NASCAR season will feature a new 10-race Chase format to determine the champion.

The players

Bob Pockrass

A FOX Sports analyst who covers NASCAR.

Ryan Blaney

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who won the 2023 championship and finished as the runner-up in 2024.

Kevin Harvick

A NASCAR Cup Series driver and host of the "Happy Hour" podcast.

Joey Logano

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who races for Penske Racing, the same team as Ryan Blaney.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to say Ryan Blaney, because I do think he's consistent and I think that this system, I mean granted we had talked about the Penske cars just kind of being able to make it through each round and go into Phoenix and being strong.”

— Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports Analyst (on3.com)

“Really when you look at Penske in general, (Joey) Logano didn't win as many races as we expect him to win. But they still grind it out and are able to get good finishes out of it. Those guys are so experienced over there from the 22 and the 12, to be able to put themselves and be able to get those days that are hard.”

— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Cup Series Driver (on3.com)

What’s next

The 2026 NASCAR season will begin in February, with the new 10-race Chase format determining the champion.

The takeaway

The new Chase format in NASCAR could play to the strengths of drivers like Ryan Blaney, who have shown the ability to consistently finish near the front of the field even on days their cars don't perform at their best. Penske Racing's experience in navigating these types of championship battles could also give their drivers, like Blaney and Joey Logano, an edge under the new rules.