NASCAR brings back original 10-race Chase playoff format

(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

NASCAR's Cup Series future will be a blast from the past as the original 10-race postseason returns in 2026 with 16 drivers battling it out for the title over the final two months.

The original 'Chase' format that was used from 2004-13 is back and will include the top 16 drivers in the points standings through 26 races. A race win is not an automatic qualifier fo