NASCAR Cup Series returns to 10-race Chase format

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series postseason begins this Sunday at Darlington Raceway with the Cook Out Southern 500. This year marks a significant format change, as NASCAR has reverted to a 10-race Chase system. Unlike the previous elimination-style playoffs, this format features 16 drivers competing for the most total points over the final 10 races without mid-season eliminations.

Denny Hamlin enters the Chase as the top seed after finishing the regular season in first place. He holds a 25-point advantage over second-seeded Ryan Blaney and a 35-point lead over Tyler Reddick. Hamlin, who has four victories this season, is seeking his first career championship despite managing a nagging shoulder injury that he plans to address during the offseason.

Other notable contenders include Christopher Bell, who enters sixth in points after recovering from a significant crash at Michigan, and Chase Briscoe, who enters fifth. The Darlington race features a total prize pool of approximately $11.8 million, with the winner expected to receive between 8% and 10% of that amount. The championship will be decided at the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8.