Kyle Larson Suggests Potential NASCAR Playoff Changes for 2025
Kyle Larson has hinted at possible modifications to the NASCAR playoff system, which could be introduced as early as 2025. Speaking with Brad Gillie of RACER during Race Industry Week, Larson reflected on his standout 2024 season and addressed the unpredictable nature of the current playoff structure. His comments have sparked widespread interest among fans and teams regarding the future of NASCAR’s championship format.
In the 2024 season, Larson secured an impressive six race victories—leading the series—but finished sixth in the overall standings. This outcome has reignited debates over the fairness of the playoff format, which some argue does not adequately reward consistent high-performing drivers like Larson.
The playoff system has faced criticism for enabling drivers like Harrison Burton to qualify despite lackluster regular-season results. This has fueled discussions about reforms to better balance consistency and performance. Among the speculated changes are a potential points cap or limiting playoff eligibility to drivers ranked within the top 20 or 25 during the regular season. Another suggested adjustment includes awarding more points for race and stage wins, which could provide greater recognition for dominant performances.
Larson Reflects on the 2024 Season and Format Changes
Reflecting on his season, Larson expressed pride in his team’s performance while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the current format:
“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.”
Jordan Bianchi Dismisses Prospects of Change
However, NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi has poured cold water on speculation about changes to the playoff format. Speaking to Newsweek Sports, Bianchi defended the system and highlighted the excitement it brings:
“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.”
As discussions about potential changes to the playoff structure continue to grow, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see if NASCAR takes steps to address these concerns. For now, the debate underscores the tension between tradition and innovation in one of motorsport’s most thrilling formats.
