From the moment NASCAR introduced its playoff format, a growing undercurrent of discontent has pulsed through the garage and the grandstands. NASCAR veteran Mark Martin also expressed his dissatisfaction, adding, “It’s wonderful, except, we ain’t playing. Nobody plays. And there’s not two people out there… Even the championship, last round, if it was really a playoff there’d be four cars on the track, not 36.” But rumors discussing potential 2026 changes have surfaced, with NASCAR executives admitting, “We just didn’t get to a point where we felt like we have to do it. But we hear the fans loud and clear and are looking at it actively,” without any guarantee of it being altered. That tension is precisely what led NASCAR broadcaster Jeff Burton to speak out, and his remarks have stirred the pot further.
In a recent episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Burton didn’t mince words when he remarked about the NASCAR community’s ‘mob’ mentality. “And I would say that as far as, do they want to play off or not. I would imagine most people I talked to are by themselves, not with a group of friends or whatever. Most people by far like the playoffs. Away from their buddies when they get in a pack, then they’ll be like, “Whoa, whatever he said,” but when you get away and you say, “Man!” Most people, and it’s not even close, like the playoffs, a version of a playoff,” he said. That remark pulled back the curtain on what fans privately believe versus what they feel safe to express in public. And this also caught the attention of various insiders.
CBS Sports’ Steven Taranto added another layer when he reflected on what Burton had said: “Also, I thought what Jeff Burton said here… was very revealing. It brings up the question of why we’ve created an environment where people feel like they can’t speak freely about what championship format they want or think is best for NASCAR and its long-term growth/interests without fear of being attacked.” This reminds of earlier frictions within the sport, one where media polls or fan forums shifted dramatically depending on what voices became the loudest, rather than what the bulk of fans actually thought. That dynamic isn’t new; nor is the sense of betrayal some fans feel when NASCAR ignores polls and feedback.
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Some polls are reminiscent of this, for instance, the 2003 poll by Jayski after Matt Kenseth clinched the championship. When rumors of a 10-race Chase (playoff) format were swirling, more than 50% of responders said “Change nothing.” Less than 5% supported the then-rumored playoff structure. NASCAR implemented the format anyway. That episode is often cited as evidence that NASCAR’s commitment to listening to fans sometimes falls short in practice. It shows that even when most visible feedback opposes change, the decisions still go the way leadership wants. For many, these polls aren’t just a memory; they’re a symbol signifying that their voices, while counted, may never tip the scale.
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Through all this, fans remain caught in the crosswinds of controversy. Burton’s remarks amplify the sense among fans that they’re forced to align with whichever narrative dominates at the moment rather than being heard when alone or in quieter forums.
Fan outcry signals deeper frustration within NASCAR
One fan supported Burton, saying, “Get ready for a lot of comments that will call Jeff, the one who actually talks to people in the sport, a liar and instead claim to know what they really think because “trust me bro.”” Burton, known as “The Mayor” for his approachable demeanor, has consistently engaged with NASCAR fans to discuss the sport’s intricacies. Earlier this month, he also addressed criticism of the playoff format, emphasizing that champions under the current system are deserving, as competitors excel by adhering to the established rules. But his current remark has been deemed controversial by many.
Another fan added to that sentiment, but opined, “I won’t call him a liar, but he did try to underplay the television partner’s roll in how the playoff format is being developed. And that underplay makes it difficult for me to 100% trust him. I think he’s a politician, and he knows how to play the public game. And to be clear, that doesn’t make him a liar.” In the same interview, Burtin emphasized his firsthand experience, stating, “I was in every damn meeting” during the development of the current NASCAR playoff structure. He firmly refuted claims that TV networks dictate the playoff structure, asserting that such decisions are made collectively by NASCAR, drivers, teams, and other stakeholders, with TV networks merely participating in discussions.
Some fans also questioned, “In what other sport or even racing series would you find the most ardent fans having a WEEKLY discussion about how or why the format to crown the champion should be changed? That alone should be enough evidence that what’s in place now isn’t working.” A notable example of this is the backlash against Mamba Smith, NASCAR’s Chief Hype Officer, who sparked controversy with a tweet suggesting that the championship should crown “the best team who executed the best when the pressure was at its highest.” These incidents underscore how sensitive the topic can be in the fanbase.
Another fan suggested, “I feel like if the car produced better racing on a weekly basis, the heat on the playoffs wouldn’t be as bad. 36 races is the most fair way to do it but honestly if I had to do a trade off with nascar, I’d say fix the car to where it’s fun to watch races at all tracks and just do a larger sample size to decide the champ. 3-3-4, 10, 5-5 whatever. People loved nascar for how raw and authentic it was and I think many just feel that’s been stripped away with the race packages, tire and add in the playoff stuff, it just hasn’t felt authentic in the way most here grew up with it.” For instance, in 2020, Kevin Harvick, despite winning nine races and securing the regular season title, did not make it to the Championship 4, leading him to remark that winning the NASCAR championship “aren’t like winning like Petty and Earnhardt used to win them.”
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One fan added in admiration, “Jeff was awesome on this show… Imagine if after every Monday night football game, during the post show, the first 30 minutes were spent on “was this a good football game?” In actuality they talk about player performance, coaching decisions, ref calls, playoff implications, etc…. It’s my belief that the NASCAR media has created this, going back to the David Poole show on Sirius 17 years ago.” Burton’s remarks mirror those of David Poole, whose work during his tenure on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “The Morning Drive” was marked by his willingness to address controversial topics head-on, regardless of the potential backlash from NASCAR officials or fans.
Therefore, one can say, Burton aligns with fans who believe NASCAR’s media should evolve to better reflect the sport’s rich history and the passion of its followers.