Eighteen drivers across NASCAR's three national series have been eliminated from championship contention, dramatically reshaping the playoff picture ahead of the postseason.
The cuts were confirmed during the Chase media day held on September 2, 2026, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Among those addressing reporters was Carson Hocevar, who fielded questions about the upcoming rounds.
The eliminations span the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series, leaving a reduced field to battle for the respective titles.
