Kyle Larson Says Return of the Chase Format Has Changed Nothing in NASCAR

Kyle Larson says NASCAR’s return to The Chase format has not changed how drivers race, a view echoed by his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron. Larson, the defending Cup Series champion, argued that removing the win-and-you’re-in framework did not alter racing style, saying the action remains “as chaotic as it has always been.” NASCAR reinstated The Chase used from 2004–2013, with the top 16 in points advancing, and the championship decided across the final 10 races. Byron said the current Cup car still demands aggression to gain track position, describing crashes and volatility in mid-pack racing. Larson also prefers being able to see points implications immediately, noting he is fifth in the standings. The article adds that Chase Elliott has just one win so far and is struggling with consistency, including no top-10 since five races and an 11th-place best in the last four at Pocono.