The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is heating up, and with a major overhaul to the points system, every lap counts more than ever. After over a decade of elimination-style playoffs, NASCAR has revived The Chase—a format that rewards consistency and raw speed from start to finish. For fans and drivers alike, it's a return to classic, high-stakes racing where every position matters.

Last year's champion, Kyle Larson, clinched his second Cup Series title in dramatic fashion, edging out Denny Hamlin in overtime. But as the new season unfolds, the grid is wide open. Every driver enters with the same belief: they can top the standings when the checkered flag falls on the final race.

So, how does the new points system work? Race winners now earn 55 points—a 15-point bump from previous seasons—while finishers behind them score points on a sliding scale. Gone are the days of bankable playoff points; instead, the top 16 drivers in the season-long standings automatically qualify for The Chase. The regular-season champion gets a 25-point bonus, and the top seed starts The Chase with 2,100 points, with each subsequent seed receiving fewer points. Simple math, intense racing: the driver with the most points at the end wins it all.

Whether you're tracking your favorite driver's climb or just getting into the sport, this new format promises nonstop action. Stay tuned for updated standings after every race, and gear up for the road ahead—because in NASCAR, every position is a battle, and every point is precious.