The NASCAR playoffs could be here to stay due to the revenue it generates
In 2004, NASCAR introduced the playoff format and drastically changed the sport overnight. Since then, the format has been tweaked several times.
Currently, 16 drivers make a 10-race playoff. Every three races, four drivers are eliminated. In the final race, four drivers battle for the championship with simply the highest finisher of the four winning it all.
That is wildly different than Mark Martin’s era. Drivers previously needed to be consistent. They also couldn’t crash. A win alone wasn’t enough to save your season if you crashed three races in a row. Instead, points were accumulated through the entire season-long championship battle.
But, when the championship battle was close at the end of a long season, those were memorable moments. When it’s expected every season, are they really memorable?
Mark Martin comments
“I’m smart enough to know that the TV broadcast, NASCAR and the owners are all addicted to the revenue that they bring,” Mark Martin stated via the Door Bumper Clear podcast.
“Whereas in my day, the revenue came directly from the fans from tickets sales and what not. It’s a different day and age, but I will shut up leading that charge when they tell us the truth.”
“I know what the truth is, but just come out and say, ‘Hey, we know the majority of the fans would rather see a full 36-race championship, but here’s why we’re not going to do it.’ Just do that and that’s enough for me.”
Mark Martin knocks the NASCAR playoff format
Changes coming for 2026
The playoff format looks likely to change once again.
NASCAR put together of group of people within the industry to specifically discuss a new playoff format. That group includes drivers, owners, manufacturers and of course the TV partners.
It was highly rumored that it would actually change for the 2025 season. However, now those discussions have been pushed back to the 2026 season.
NASCAR usually has their schedule for the next year released by this point in the season. The delay in the release only further points to a likely change in the playoff format.
Why doesn’t NASCAR just remove the playoffs?
I’m willing to bet the majority of fans would prefer a season-long championship. So, why doesn’t NASCAR give the fans what they want? They have influence pointing in the other direction…
There appears to be a strong push for the playoffs to remain. It’s rumored that push is coming from the television partners who profit the most from viewership.
The TV partners have a big stake in the sport. The recent TV agreement signed for the 2025-2031 season was just shy of 8 billion.
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