Kyle Larson has hinted at potential changes to the NASCAR playoff system that could be implemented as early as 2025. During a live stream with Brad Gillie of RACER at Race Industry Week embedded at the bottom of the article, Larson reflected on his performance in the 2024 season and pointed towards the unpredictability of the current playoff format. His subtle suggestions about modifications have sparked interest among fans and teams about what the future holds for the NASCAR playoffs.
In the 2024 season, Larson managed to secure an impressive six race victories, leading the series, yet concluded the season sixth in the overall standings. This discrepancy has brought to light a broader issue for some within the NASCAR community regarding the playoff format's fairness and predictability.
The system has faced criticism for allowing drivers like Harrison Burton to qualify despite underwhelming regular-season rankings. This has increased discussions about reforming the format to reward consistent performers like Larson.
The possibility of changes in the playoff structure could address these concerns. Presently, speculation includes implementing a points cap, or restricting playoff entries to drivers within the top 20 or 25 of the regular season standings, both of which might more accurately reflect regular-season performances. An additional point of contention has been the idea of increasing points for race and stage wins.
Larson explained:
"It was a great year. Yeah, I was super, super happy with the performance of our race team all year long.
"We had a ton of speed from race one to race 38, really. Yeah, I was happy. Obviously you want to make the final four and have a shot at the championship but at the same point, like, I also understand the format and know kind of how crazy it can be and all that. So, I don't let finishing sixth in points take anything away from our season.
"I know we had, you know, one of the best if not the best season. We led the series in most every category. So, really proud of the team and their hard work. Yeah, and I think we left some out on the table, too.
"I'm excited about next year and hopefully, we can continue to evolve and get stronger as a team and yeah. Win some more races, lead more laps, and who knows? Who knows what the new format will be? So, maybe it will benefit us somehow."
On the other hand, NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi doesn't believe there will be any changes introduced to the playoff format. Bianchi recently commented, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
"The Playoff format isn't going to change. I'll say, before the last 20 laps of this race, or whatever it was, this was a damn good playoff race.
"This underlined the fact of why this playoff format is so good, because you had (Ryan) Blaney and (Chase) Elliot and I'll throw (Kyle) Larson in there, and you had (Denny) Hamlin's great run from the back, which is going to get overlooked today.
"All these guys are going at it, the gloves are off, they're racing hard but clean – physical but clean – and they're going for the win. This is a byproduct of the Playoff system, and it was fantastic to watch unfold. And it's not going to change, I'm sorry. This playoff format is here to stay."
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