# NASCAR Chase Format Shift

> Drivers misjudged NASCAR's new point system as championship path.
- Title: NASCAR Chase Format Shift · Autoweek | Shortify
- Summary: Drivers misjudged NASCAR's new point system as championship path. Kyle Larson leads Chase with 40-point lead over Denny Hamlin after misjudging the new point…
- Keywords: nascar, chase format, kyle larson, denny hamlin, christopher bell, cup series, cars, sports, Chase, Format, Shift, Autoweek
- Source: Autoweek — https://autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a74084857/nascar-drivers-misjudged-new-chase-format
- Author: Deb Williams
- Published: 2026-10-08T22:16:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nascar, chase format, kyle larson, denny hamlin, christopher bell, cup series, cars, sports
## Chase Theories Proven False
Two theories about championship chances were wrong as drivers entered the post-season.
## Larson Leads by 40 Points
Kyle Larson leads second place Denny Hamlin by 40 points after halfway through the 10-race Chase.
## Point System Impact
Win bonus gives drivers 55 points per race with stage wins worth 10 points each.
## Bell's Realization
Christopher Bell says the win bonus can make up significant ground in the championship chase.

> Nobody knew how big of an impact that win bonus was going to have throughout the regular season
## Bell's Strategy
Bell believes winning three of next five races could secure championship title.

> If we can go out and win three of the next five, I think I’ll be the champion. So, it’s still within my grasp and I love that. I love the format. I think NASCAR’s done a great job on hitting on it, and I think it’s delivered
## Chase Format Shift
Drivers now focus on winning races to gain points rather than finishing in top six.
## Key takeaway

Kyle Larson leads Chase with 40-point lead over Denny Hamlin after misjudging the new point system's impact.