NASCAR drivers adapt to new Chase format ahead of Bristol race

Drivers in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series are adapting to an overhauled Chase format that emphasizes season-long point value over round-by-round eliminations. This change has increased racing intensity, as competitors note that every position and point now carries significant weight without the possibility of resets.

Top-seeded Justin Allgaier seeks to recover his championship standing at Bristol Motor Speedway following late-race issues at Darlington and Gateway that resulted in a loss of over 200 points. Currently, Sheldon Creed holds a three-point lead in the Chase standings after a victory at Darlington and a second-place finish at Gateway. Other notable contenders in the standings include Carson Kvapil and Jesse Love.