Keselowski Surprised Drivers Haven't Adjusted to New Playoff Format

NASCAR veteran says competitors still racing like old system despite return to points-based title fight.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:11am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented NASCAR race scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the strategic complexities of the new playoff system.The new points-based NASCAR playoff format requires drivers to adopt a more strategic, calculated approach to each race, rather than simply going for the win at all costs.Martinsville Today

Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup champion, expressed surprise that more drivers have not adjusted their approach to the 2026 season despite the return to a points-based playoff format. Keselowski says a 'good part of the field' is still racing as if the win-and-you're-in format is in place, which he believes will hurt their chances under the new system.

Why it matters

The return to a points-based playoff system after several years of the win-and-you're-in format has required a shift in strategy for NASCAR drivers. Keselowski believes many have not yet adapted, which could put them at a disadvantage in the championship fight.

The details

Keselowski, who won the 2012 NASCAR Cup championship under the previous points-based Chase format, says he is 'quite shocked' that more drivers have not changed their approach this season. He notes that under the old format, drivers could 'throw races away', but that is no longer the case. Keselowski says he saw several moves at Darlington that surprised him, with drivers not content to finish where they were running in order to secure points.

  • The 2026 NASCAR Cup season marks the return to a points-based playoff format after several years of the win-and-you're-in system.

The players

Brad Keselowski

A NASCAR veteran who won the 2012 Cup championship under the previous points-based Chase format.

Kyle Larson

A Hendrick Motorsports driver who says his team hasn't changed its approach this year despite the format change.

William Byron

A Hendrick Motorsports driver who has noticed fellow competitors being 'a little more protective of their finish' this season.

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What they’re saying

“I am actually quite shocked we haven't seen more of a difference. I don't think it's really clicked yet for a good part of the field.”

— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR veteran

“With the old format, you could throw races away. You can't throw races away.”

— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR veteran

“I think there's more emphasis on finishing the race strong.”

— William Byron

“Last year, we had a really good start to the season. We scored a lot of Stage points. This year, we're not scoring as many Stage points and we're not as high up in the points.”

— William Byron

“I hear a lot of people talking, you know, points mean so much now. Points have always meant a lot. I believe points racing was just as much, if not more important, before. I don't think the racing has been any different this year. I think the media has played into it way more than it's actually been on the track. The racing is every bit as aggressive as it once was.”

— Kyle Larson

What’s next

The next major race on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway, where drivers will have another opportunity to demonstrate how they have adapted to the new points-based playoff format.

The takeaway

The return to a points-based playoff system in NASCAR has required a shift in strategy for drivers, but Keselowski believes many have not yet fully adjusted. This could put some competitors at a disadvantage in the championship fight, as finishing positions and stage points become more crucial under the new format.