Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, Ty Dillon, driver of the #10 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevrolet, and Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 Monster Energy Zero Sugar Toyota, race during Duel 2 for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
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NASCAR News: Has the Chase changed how drivers race?

Posted by AR1 staff

After seven races in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, consider us in agreement with this longtime axiom:

It’s too early to talk about the points.

But it’s not too early to talk about the impact the points could have on driver behavior.

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There have been 42 cautions so far in 2026 – the fewest through seven Cup races since 2018 (when there were 40) and the second-lowest total of the stage racing era that began in 2017 (and guaranteed two cautions per race).

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The statistics would indicate Cup drivers are being more prudent with their moves, particularly earlier in races.

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Simply translated, it means being more mindful – from start to finish – of the risks vs. rewards of racing in the Cup Series under a new paradigm with old mantras.  NASCAR Substack