It's far too early to start making championship predictions, but every point matters in this return to a more traditional NASCAR championship format. One year ago, we would have been saying 'Welcome to the Playoffs Tyler Reddick' because due to win and you're in, the greater points picture wouldn't have mattered that much.
But it matters now! One race down, 25 to go before the Chase returns for 2026, and only the 16 drivers with the most points will have a shot at the crown.
