Races are generally divided into , where the top 10 finishers of each stage earn bonus points. In a significant shift for the 2026 season, the NASCAR Cup Series returned to the "Chase" format used from 2004–2013:
: The top 16 drivers qualify based solely on regular-season points (the "win-and-you're-in" rule has been retired). nascar
: A 10-race postseason where points are re-seeded just once. There are no more eliminations throughout these final 10 races. Races are generally divided into , where the
: The driver with the highest total points after the final race of the season is crowned the champion. 2026 Cup Series Leaders Races are generally divided into