Kurt Busch Backs NASCAR's Return to Chase Playoff Format

Inaugural Chase champion shares insights on the strategy that helped him win the first title under the format.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:22pm

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NASCAR is bringing back its Chase playoff format for the 2026 season, and Kurt Busch, the inaugural Chase champion in 2004, is fully on board with the change. Busch revealed the strategic 'Trojan horse approach' he and his crew chief Jimmy Fennig used to win that first title, saving all their test sessions for the playoffs and 'sneaking up' on the competition. Busch believes the time was right for NASCAR to revert to the Chase format, which he says rewards consistency over the full season while still capturing the urgency of a true playoff run.

Why it matters

Busch's perspective as the first-ever Chase champion provides unique insight into the format and why it resonates with drivers and fans. His 'Trojan horse' strategy also highlights how the Chase incentivized teams to think differently about preparing for the playoffs, a dynamic that helped elevate the championship battle.

The details

Busch and his crew chief Jimmy Fennig came up with a plan to save all their test sessions for the inaugural Chase playoffs in 2004, taking a 'Trojan horse approach' of 'sneaking up' on the competition. This strategy paid off, as Busch went on to claim the first-ever Chase title, overcoming a dramatic moment on pit road in the final race when his right front tire came off and rolled back across the track.

  • Busch was the inaugural Chase champion in 2004.
  • NASCAR is bringing back the Chase format for the 2026 season.

The players

Kurt Busch

A Hall of Fame NASCAR driver who was the inaugural champion of the Chase playoff format in 2004.

Jimmy Fennig

Busch's crew chief at Roush Racing when he won the first Chase title in 2004.

Jimmie Johnson

A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who perfected the Chase formula, winning five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that the time had come for the change.”

— Kurt Busch (profootballnetwork.com)

“Kurt Busch was the inaugural Chase champion in 2004, and he agrees that it was time for a change with NASCAR reverting to such a format again this season.”

— Kelly Crandall (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

NASCAR will implement the revived Chase playoff format for the 2026 season, with the top 16 drivers competing across the final 10 races to determine the champion.

The takeaway

Busch's 'Trojan horse' strategy and perspective as the inaugural Chase champion provide valuable insights into how the format incentivized teams to think differently about preparing for the playoffs, a dynamic that helped elevate the championship battle and make it a must-watch event for NASCAR fans.