Copyright sportskeeda
NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi has pointed out that the three likely changes could be a return of the season-long points championship with no elimination playoff rounds or the old ten-race "Chase" format, where the final ten races decide the title. Another option would be a new 3-3-4 format. This means three races in the first two rounds and a four-race championship finale.The current NASCAR system, which has been in place since 2017, involves 16 drivers in a 10-race playoff progressing through three rounds of eliminations with three races each. The last round ends with one final race to determine the champion. NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell confirmed earlier this year that the current playoff format will be reviewed, but no official decision will be made until after the 2025 season ends.During a recent appearance on the Door Bumper Clear Podcast, Bianchi commented on the end of the current playoff format."This format that we know it is, let's just say it's going to be gone. And it's going to be one of three things now. What that likelihood is, it's still figuring out. It's either going to be a season long, it's either going to be the old 10-race chase where, you know, go 10 the duration of 10 races or the 3-3-4. What it's going to end up being, it kind of depends," Bianchi said.Earlier this month, Steve O'Donnell also shared his conversation with NASCAR Cup driver Christopher Bell about the playoff format, implying that he did not want future drivers to believe the champion was decided by only one race.Will NASCAR return to a full-season points system?NASCAR fans and drivers have asked for a change in the playoff format, and the pressure for reform has grown stronger with every passing season. Seven-time champion Richard Petty also argued that the champion should be determined over the full season rather than a handful of races.However, Jordan Bianchi foreboded a season-long points system during the same podcast episode."I will say this. If you want a season long points championship, you do not want to see Corey Heim or Connor Zillich win this weekend because, I'm saying like, if they lose and people are going to go irate," Bianchi added [0:35 onwards].Bianchi had also shared earlier that a full-season points system return was unlikely.Corey Hiem and rookie Connor Zilisch have dominated the Truck and Xfinity Series this season with record wins and consistent top finishes. However, they could lose the title to any of the other three Championship 4 drivers in their respective series.On the other hand, the 2025 Cup Series season will end with the finale race at Phoenix Raceway this Sunday (November 2).
