NASCAR has just made big changes to their playoff format. They’ve gone back to the 10-race chase, without eliminations.
Now, another rule change has been announced.
In 2025, we saw drivers that were involved in a crash and they would then go to the garage for repairs. They would then re-enter toward the end of the race with repairs completed and then attempt to set the fastest lap of the race with fresh tires, a repaired car and possibly even a qualifying setup.
NASCAR is closing that loophole for the 2026 season. Once a driver enters the garage for repairs, any lap turned when re-entering the track will not count toward the fastest lap award.
However, if the car that was repaired in the garage set the fastest lap before entering the garage, they will still be awarded the bonus.
Drivers earn 1 bonus point for turning the fastest lap of the race.
NASCAR championship format has been revised for 2026
“One Point will be awarded to the eligible drivers and eligible Team owner whose driver records the fastest single lap during each Championship Event Race. If multiple drivers post the same time, the driver with the higher Race finish will receive the Point.”
The following lines are new for the 2026 season:
“Once a driver enters the garage during the Race, that driver and Team owner will no longer be eligible to record the fastest lap. A fastest lap time recorded before entering the garage will remain eligible.”
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