Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has expressed his views on NASCAR’s announcement to reinstate the Chase format starting in 2026. Having raced through the 16-driver elimination playoff system from 2014 to 2025, Johnson brings a unique perspective as both a part-time driver and co-owner of the Legacy Motor Club team.
Johnson earned six of his record-tying seven championships under the former 10-race Chase format, a structure he now supports returning to, believing it strikes a balance between competition and fairness.
Johnson Highlights Fairness and Balance of the Chase System
Speaking with motorsports analyst Steven Taranto ahead of the Daytona 500, Johnson reflected on the merits of NASCAR’s previous playoff structures. Though he acknowledged beginning to appreciate the recent elimination format, he said the Chase was fundamentally a “fair, year-long” system that rewarded consistent performance.
When you look at it on paper, I don’t know how you find a more fair, year-long way to do it. You have to earn every single point along the way, and it created all these interesting touch points of elimination rounds and one-race winner-take-all, so on paper, it played well,
Johnson said.
He emphasized that the Chase’s 10-race span struck the right balance amid NASCAR’s diverse track challenges, allowing consistency to play an important role rather than just singular race performances.
I felt like a 10-race format represented that very well, and I still feel that way and assume some of that is reflected in the change of going back to it, but we’ll see. It’s so tough. Our sport is just different. When we try to compare it to stick and ball sports, it’s just tough to find the real parallels,
Johnson added.
Johnson Encourages NASCAR to Embrace Its Unique Identity
Beyond discussing format changes, Johnson expressed optimism about NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to solidify a distinct identity through branding research. He suggested that NASCAR’s value lies in being authentic rather than mimicking other sports’ models.
We’re just gonna go be ourselves. We need to stop focusing too hard on other sports. Let’s just go be us and authentic us as NASCAR and we’ll put on a great show,
he explained.
Johnson’s remarks were made as he prepares for what will be his 23rd start in the Daytona 500 on February 15. As the driver of the #84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, Johnson secured his place in the field with the open exemption provisional. He has won the iconic Great American Race twice, in 2006 and 2013, and recently finished third in the 2023 running, marking his best result since late 2020.
The Role of Legacy Motor Club in NASCAR’s Future
Currently, Johnson is co-owner of Legacy Motor Club alongside fellow seven-time champion Richard Petty. Their team competes full-time with Erik Jones driving the #43 and John Hunter Nemechek piloting the #42. Johnson’s combined experience as a driver and owner offers valuable insight into the sport’s evolving competition formats.
As NASCAR prepares to implement the return of The Chase in 2026, Johnson’s endorsement lends credibility to the move, suggesting it will honor the sport’s history while striving to balance fairness and excitement. The change signals a return to emphasizing consistency across multiple races while maintaining thrilling elimination moments, which could engage fans in new ways.
Going forward, fans and participants alike will closely watch how this shift affects both driver strategies and audience reception in the upcoming seasons.
Had to ask Jimmie Johnson about the return of the Chase system. Jimmie spoke a bit about the Chase vs. the Playoffs, but also spoke to the new direction NASCAR is pursuing in general.
"We're just gonna go be ourselves. We need to stop focusing too hard on other sports – Let's… pic.twitter.com/kPFqtgaIcn
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) February 11, 2026
As expected, 45 entries for Daytona 500. Eight open cars for four spots: 36-CSmith 40-Allgaier 44-Yeley 62-Alfredo 66-TBA(Mears) 67-Heim 78-McLeod 99-LaJoie. … 84-Johnson has open exemption provisional. … it will be a 41-car field @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/WsSJ7UAw8x
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 9, 2026
