NASCAR Cup Series drivers share their thoughts on the new Chase playoff format, who missed the cut last year but could make it this season, and rookie Connor Girish’s chances of winning a race.
Who benefits most from the new playoff system?
Kevin Harvick immediately points to Chase Elliott, emphasizing Elliott’s consistency and ability to bounce back from poor finishes, as essential traits for success under this format. AJ Allmendinger highlights seasoned front-runners like Christopher Bell, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Denny Hamlin, who always seem to be in contention. Christopher Bell appreciates the new system for reducing the impact of struggling at specific tracks like Martinsville, which previously hindered his playoff chances. Ryan Blaney is more skeptical, suggesting everyone believes the system favors their team, while Alex Bowman believes the new format suits Chase Elliott’s style and could have improved his own points finishes in past seasons.
Chase Elliott remarks that the main contenders rarely change, naming five to seven drivers who consistently compete for the title. Denny Hamlin agrees, stating the system rewards the fastest drivers each week, who tend to be the same group. Kyle Larson points to Elliott’s steady top-15 finishes and potential for multiple wins as reasons the system benefits him most. Tyler Reddick prefers to focus on himself and values consistency, which he believes the new rules reward.
Who might be disadvantaged by the new playoffs?
Kevin Harvick identifies Kyle Larson, noting a single Did Not Finish (DNF) can be much more damaging now. Clint Bowyer mentions that starting at the back puts drivers at a clear disadvantage, though there’s still a chance to recover. Kyle Busch expresses concerns for all competitors, sharing how past playoff formats allowed for resets that helped recover from bad races, a feature now removed. Alex Bowman suggests the system may challenge drivers who usually struggle or rarely win. Ross Chastain relays that his teammate Shane van Gisbergen noticed point fluctuations that the new format could impact. Larson himself remains uncertain, acknowledging that crashes can affect anyone regardless of the format.
Which drivers missed the playoffs last year but might return?
The most frequently mentioned drivers expected to return are Chris Buescher (8 votes), You Gives (5 votes), Brad Keselowski (4 votes), and Kyle Busch (3 votes). AJ Allmendinger praises Kyle Busch’s talent and resilience as reasons he should make the top 16. Christopher Bell nods to the popularity of Chris Buescher as a comeback candidate. Buescher credits his team’s speed and consistency and believes the RFK stable’s collective intelligence provides an edge. Kyle Busch calls Buescher a solid and reliable finisher, while Joey Logano simplifies the prediction by examining winners outside the top 16 last year and suggesting they will likely be in this season’s Chase.
Can rookie Connor Girish win a race this season?
Opinions vary: eight drivers say no, five say yes, and others think he might grab one win. The biggest obstacle is Girish’s limited experience—only three Cup races compared to the 90-100 races typical for recent first-time winners.
Ryan Blaney believes Girish has a good shot at a win, while Ross Chastain praises his continuous upward trajectory and strong support from the Trackhouse team. Chase Elliott doubts Girish will get enough starts to win this year. Kyle Larson admires Girish’s skills on both ovals and road courses, expecting a strong season, though not necessarily a victory. Michael McDowell acknowledges Girish’s speed but points out the great challenge of executing at the Cup level, citing the time Larson and Elliott took to secure their first wins. Daniel Suarez, whose seat Girish took over, thinks Girish will be very competitive on road courses and would be impressed if he wins. Bubba Wallace comments on the steep learning curve for rookies and expects Girish to make progress once he adjusts. Tyler Reddick quips that Girish will win if he can beat Shane van Gisbergen. Girish himself remains hopeful, weighing the drivers’ opinions.
Fan Take: This insight from drivers on the new playoff format and emerging talents like Connor Girish gives NASCAR fans a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the sport. The heightened emphasis on consistency and speed, combined with rookies pushing for wins, promises thrilling seasons ahead with more unpredictability and competition at the front.
