Latest news with #TheTeardown
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Report: Why the NASCAR Playoff Format is Unlikely to Change in 2026
The regular-season portion of the NASCAR schedule is drawing to a close next month with the four remaining races of the regular season. It sets up an exciting 16-team playoff featuring the top drivers in the sport. However, there's just as much focus on the NASCAR playoff format in 2026. During Sunday's episode of The Teardown, Jeff Gluck of The Athletic shared that he no longer believes the NASCAR playoff format will be changed next year. While many in the industry want to see a change, several factors now seem likely to prevent it from happening next season. 'I went from 90 percent sure the format is going to change next year to…maybe 20 percent.' The Athletic's Jeff Gluck on the likelihood of the NASCAR playoff format being changed in 2026 In an in-depth segment, starting at the 56-minute mark, Gluck explained some of the things going on behind the scenes with the NASCAR playoff committee. He is part of a committee consisting of '30 to 40 people,' which includes team owners, current drivers, other media members, and former drivers. So far, they've met twice and also discussed ideas through emails. Related: NASCAR playoff format: Round of 16 (3 races), Round of 12 (3 races), Round of 8 (3 races), Championship 4 (one race) Following the second meeting, which occurred during the week of the Coca-Cola 600 (May 25), there was 'a lot of movement' toward changing the NASCAR playoff format next season. Gluck said that as of a few weeks ago, he even thought there was a '90 to 95 percent chance' the one-race championship would be abolished for 2026. However, the television rights partner for the playoff races (NBC) has a significant voice in a potential change and is reportedly the 'hangup' in it happening. That's because, in 2023, NBC agreed to a media rights deal (2025–31) that pays out more than $1 billion a year to NASCAR for the broadcasting rights to the playoffs, including the championship round. 'TV wants a playoff. They want eliminations…they want something close, to I think, what is happening now. They don't want to go too far from that. Too radically different.' Jeff Gluck on NBC's role in discussions of changing the NASCAR playoff format Also Read: As The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi immediately followed up with, NBC agreed to this multi-billion-dollar deal with the expectation of having playoff races and a single championship race to broadcast. Dramatically changing the playoff format could alter NBC's NASCAR ratings when competing directly with the NFL. For as important a voice as fans, drivers, and media members have in the process, TV rights represent the biggest source of revenue for NASCAR. With chartered teams now receiving a bigger share of revenue under the new charter agreement signed this offseason, the sport wants to ensure its biggest source of funding is happy. Also Read: Ultimately, a change to the playoff format is still likely coming in the next few years, but it's not something NASCAR officials want to rush. There is also a more pressing matter at play that is likely the final reason the playoff format will stay the same next season. NASCAR still hasn't released its schedule for the 2026 season yet, but the goal is to get it out in early to mid-August. That simply doesn't leave the playoff committee enough time to reach consensus on a new playoff format and then give it to NASCAR with enough time for the schedule to be adjusted. As a result, the 16-driver playoff with a one-race Championship 4 will likely still be used in 2026. One key difference, though: the championship race will take place at Homestead-Miami Speedway instead of Phoenix Raceway. Related Headlines Eugenio Suarez Leaves Game After HBP: Did Diamondbacks Lose Biggest Trade Asset? Tributes Pour In for Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg Following Death Report: NYPD Officer Among 5 Killed in Midtown Building Shooting That Houses NFL Headquarters MLB Trade Roundup: Twins Begin Sell-Off as Brewers, Tigers Make Moves
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Denny Hamlin: Majority of NASCAR Playoff Committe Wants New Championship Format
The NASCAR playoff committee was formed this year to consider changing the one-race championship format for 2026. While a change to the playoffs now seems increasingly unlikely next year, Denny Hamlin says the committee wants to deliver what the fans want. On the latest episode of Actions Detrimental, Hamlin revealed that he is part of the NASCAR playoff committee that Jeff Gluck of The Athletic is also part of. He also shed light on the level of support there is among committee members for changing the playoff format. 'Most of the room, if not all of the room's, general opinion is that the one-race thing needs to go…There is a large concern of the legitimacy of it (one-race championship).' Denny Hamlin on the amount of support within the NASCAR playoff committee for changing the one-race championship format Related: Hamlin made sure to note that no one in the room believes the one-race champions, such as Joey Logano, are illegitimate winners. Those drivers took full advantage of the playoff format NASCAR established, with Team Penske particularly adept at maximizing a one-race championship at Phoenix Raceway. As the driver of the No. 11 car pointed out, the one-race championship cannot be directly compared to the Super Bowl. For that comparison to be accurate—using Super Bowl LIX as an example—teams like the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and New York Jets would also have to be on the field alongside the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Related: NASCAR's current championship format allows for crashes caused by drivers often finishing outside the top 20 to take out contenders in the Championship 4 or draw a caution flag that influences who wins the championship. Hamlin also echoed what Gluck reported on The Teardown, stating that NBC appears to have 'the biggest voice' in deciding the championship format. NASCAR told the playoff committee that a 'long discussion' with NBC was necessary, but it would not happen for a while. Until then, substantial progress on a new format cannot be made. With the NASCAR schedule for 2026 set to be released next month, there is very little time left to finalize and implement any new championship format for next year's race schedule. As a result, the change that the majority within the sport want to see likely will not come until 2027 at the earliest. Related Headlines Top Phillies Bullpen Trade Targets After Emmanuel Clase, Felix Bautista Off-The-Board Cincinnati Bengals Get Positive Update on Trey Hendrickson's Holdout NASCAR standings: Cup Series points leaders 2025, Truck and Xfinity Series standings right now Buffalo Bills' First-Round Rookie Suffers Non-Contact Injury
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR Insiders In Agreement On Mexico City Location
NASCAR Insiders In Agreement On Mexico City Location originally appeared on The Spun. NASCAR heads back to the United States after a trip to Mexico City. The first Mexico race may not be the last. Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez hosted Xfinity Series and Cup Series events over the weekend. Two insiders wouldn't be surprised if NASCAR returns to Mexico City next year. Advertisement The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck considered NASCAR's future relationship with Mexico City on The Teardown podcast. "While there are things that need to be tightened up on some levels, and there are certainly some first-year kinks that went wrong, there is every reason to continue this and to think that this is going to come back for another year," Bianchi said (h/t On3). "As it should. This was a popular event. The crowd here was strong." Gluck spoke to NASCAR fans from Mexico who cried and lost their voices watching Daniel Suárez win the Xfinity Series race. The outcome was a "big deal" that NASCAR can use to generate more interest for a return. He also noted that NASCAR would benefit from lowering the starting price point. The cheapest tickets cost $60 in U.S. currency. Advertisement "It's something to build on and something to grow on," Gluck said. "It's a huge F1 track. I wasn't expecting an F1 crowd, but I was expecting more than we saw today. But again, this is the first step." MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 15: A general view of racing from the grandstands during the NASCAR Cup Series Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by)They're not the only ones anticipating a return. Bianchi wrote Tuesday that most NASCAR crews expect to race in Mexico City next year. NASCAR must work out some logistical obstacles, such as teams wanting an off week before the trip. They traveled across the border last week after a race at Pocono. However, the inaugural Mexico City race was largely viewed as a success. "For NASCAR to truly cash in on its sizable investment, it would be a mistake not to build off the foothold that it has established over the past nine months since first announcing the race," Bianchi wrote. "The consensus is NASCAR needs at least one international race each season. And after the past week, Mexico City should be atop that list of options." Advertisement Ben Kennedy, NASCAR's executive vice president and primary schedule maker, said he's "very hopeful" NASCAR will return to Mexico City. "Today wasn't just a race," Kennedy said. "This was a historic moment for our sport, for Mexico, and for the global motorsports community. One of the coolest parts about this weekend was seeing the reaction of the fans. I had the opportunity to go into the stands a few times, and the energy and the passion of the fans here is unmatched." Related: NASCAR Makes Telling Admission On Returning To Mexico NASCAR Insiders In Agreement On Mexico City Location first appeared on The Spun on Jun 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
NASCAR Insider Fights For Michigan Track As Denny Hamlin's Praise Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin brought home the win at the FireKeepers Casino 400, a race that featured a ton of action and brought praise to the Michigan International Speedway. At the veteran age of 44, Hamlin drove his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota into first place. It was his 57th win in NASCAR and the third of the season for the experienced driver. Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan Photo byThe second half of the race became all about managing fuel. The top runners struggled on fuel, dropping pace lap after lap as they tried to save all over the track. The fuel concerns allowed middle-of-the-pack runners like Hamlin to make up some serious ground and push for the win. The racing was incredibly dramatic and aided by the fuel usage, leading to several over-takes and on-track battles during the last 30 or so laps. Jeff Gluck, co-host of The Teardown podcast and writer for The Athletic, pointed out that it was the latest generation of cars that led to the incredible racing. "Denny Hamlin said afterwards that this is maybe NASCAR's most underrated track now. It's perfect for the [Next Gen] car," Gluck said on the podcast. "It's wide. It gives drivers lots of options. It's high-speed handling matters. It was a great crowd today. "It was the first time that these fans hadn't been rained on in a few years here. "It was a great day. It was really fun, a great weekend and nice positive way to end this little stretch of the season before we head to Mexico City." Hamlin managed to keep his focus despite having a baby on the way. He previously claimed that he would skip a race to witness the birth of his third child. He went as far as to say he would leave the race anyway up until Lap 50 if the call came of his wife going into labor. It never came during the race in Michigan, and now he adds another win to his illustrious career. NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 Results 1. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota 2. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford 3. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Toyota 4. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota 5. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet 6. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Chevrolet 7. Zane Smith, No. 38 Ford 8. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Chevrolet 9. Ryan Preece, No. 60 Ford 10. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Ford 11. Erik Jones, No. 43 Toyota 12. Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford 13. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 Toyota 14. Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Chevrolet 15. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet 16. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Toyota 17. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Chevrolet 18. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Chevrolet 19. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet 20. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet 21. Justin Haley, No. 7 Chevrolet 22. Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford 23. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Toyota 24. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Chevrolet 25. Riley Herbst, No. 35 Toyota 26. Cody Ware, No. 51 Ford 27. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Ford 28. William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet 29. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet 30. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Chevrolet 31. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford 32. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford 33. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Ford 34. John H Nemechek, No. 42 Toyota 35. Cole Custer, No. 41 Ford 36. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Chevrolet For more NASCAR news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Chase Elliott Under Scrutiny as NASCAR Insider Launches Critical Assessment
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott's recent performance has come under the scrutiny of NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. Elliott made history by winning the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship as the first rookie and the youngest driver to clinch the title. After moving to the Cup Series with a full-time seat in 2016, Elliott continued to impress and secured his first Cup Series championship at 24 years old in 2020. In his Cup Series career so far, Elliott has won 19 races in 322 starts. However, some argue that his recent performances, although consistent, are not showing the dominance he previously enjoyed in his championship-winning season. During the latest episode of The Teardown podcast (below), Bianchi stated: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, waits on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, waits on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 03, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas."We need to have a Chase Elliott conversation. "Since the start of the 2023 season, the Wood Brothers have more wins than Chase Elliott does. That's crazy to think about. That's no disrespect to the Wood Brothers, that's just the reality of the situation. "They have two wins. Chase Elliott has one points win since the start of the 2023 season. That's crazy to think about. This is again becoming a typical, what I would associate with a typical Chase Elliott year. They run just well enough. "You look at their average finish, you know, that kind of thing, and they grind out these finishes, and that's good, and it keeps them up in the point standings. He's fourth in points. "Okay, that's good, but that's not good enough for this team. You look at laps-led this year, Kyle Larson and William Byron are first and second. Alex Bowman is ninth. Chase Elliott, 15th. 45 laps-led this year. This team should be better. It needs to be better." Commenting on the race at Texas Motor Speedway, in which Elliott finished in 16th, Bianchi continued: "On a race track where this is tailor-made for Hendrick Motorsports. We saw that today with the No. 5. Obviously, the No. 24 was up there too, until they had pit road damage. Bowman was in the mix. Elliot, they needed a tire gamble to get that track position. It wasn't like they had sheer speed. There's just, fundamentally, something is missing with this team. It's been missing for a while. Kudos to them for grinding it out and finding a way week after week to get top 10s, and that kind of thing. "Led the series in average finish last year, and that's great, but they are not winning enough. They're not leading enough laps. They're not getting stage wins enough. This team is falling short of the expectations. Now, that's a real high bar, but they're not even close to meeting that."
