The NASCAR Cup Series returns in early February to begin its 2026 season. See the full broadcast schedule for every race this year.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR’s nearly two-year study into an overhaul of its championship-deciding format concluded Monday with the reveal that in 2026 the stock car series will return to a 10-race version closely resembling the very first iteration introduced 22 years ago.

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.

Rebranding its playoffs as “The Chase,” the moniker used for a similar method of selecting Cup Series champions from 2004-13, NASCAR will return to determining the title on cumulative points over the final 10 races of the season — a move that eliminates the one-race championship in place from 2014-25.

Connor Zilisch is too young to remember NASCAR's first stint using the Chase as its playoff format. Here's what he said about its return.