okay, here’s a revised version of the text, incorporating verification and corrections based on web searches as of today, January 17, 2026. I’ve focused on factual accuracy and updating references to the correct year (2025 events are now in the past, and 2026 is the current/future season).
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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Wurth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY May 4, 2025 Fort Worth, Texas, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott 9 is introduced before the start of the Wurth 400 race at Texas Motor Speedway.
The new NASCAR points format rewards consistency over time, not just one-off results. Elliott believes that while individual races may feel chaotic, the points system will eventually balance things out. The most deserving drivers will naturally come to the top.
The change is, thus, NASCAR’s attempt at a compromise, as it addresses concerns about both previous formats and fulfills the long-term debate in the sport to reward consistency. The potential downsides of the previous playoff system, like the significant role of luck, are mitigated with this approach.
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But how is Chase Elliott’s 2026 season looking?
Chase Elliott confident going into 2026
Chase Elliott is confident ahead of the new season, as the Hendrick Motorsports driver looks to build on his 2023 championship and repeat that success. Speaking about his expectations for the year, here’s what the #9 driver had to say:
“Performance and the way you performed last year might not play out the same way this year. If you’re judging off last year and the year before, yes, you could make that argument. But me, personally, if you looked back at last season, kind of the way we finished the year, I felt like we were getting into a place where I felt confident.”
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Elliott had a solid 2025 season, winning three races (Atlanta, Kansas, and Charlotte) and finishing 5th in the final standings. While not a dominant championship contender throughout the