There’s this book that I loved reading as a kid called “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” that I have no doubt I’m familiar with. If you aren’t, I’d highly encourage you to find a copy so I don’t spoil it for you, but if you’re not interested, I’ll lay it out for you.

In the book, a child gives a mouse a cookie. Then the mouse wants milk with his cookie, naturally, slowly creating a cascade effect in which the titular mouse asks for more and more from the boy.

It’s an enthralling, albeit short read, which I bring up because after NASCAR announced the sport was reverting back to ‘The Chase’ format for its playoffs, I feel like the mouse. 

NASCAR executives gave the fans a cookie by going away from the gimmick-filled playoff format of years past. They announced they’re going away from the “win and in” system, rewarding more points for wins and making those things they earn at stage breaks and the end of races actually matter. 

A “points-orientated” points system, as Ricky Stenhouse Jr. masterfully put it, is what the fans have been clamoring for following countless controversies and endless discussion over the last decade. Now, the top 16 drivers in points make the playoffs no matter what and drivers will actually be rewarded for scoring the most points in the 26-race regular season.

That’s all wonderful in my book, ridding the sport of a “win at all costs” mindset will do nothing but positive things. Rewarding consistency will make the regular season more interesting and hopefully, that brings some legitimacy, both internationally and at home in the United States, back to the clown show we all love. 

While I’m thrilled to see the current format retired, keeping a playoff system and the gimmicks that come with it leaves me feeling a bit apathetic to the changes. The Chase, as a format, has its issues; it made Jimmie Johnson a 7-time champion because he was really good at 10 tracks. I doubt we’ll see anything like that in the Next-Gen era, it still leaves the sport open to a more legitimate yet undeserving champion.

Another thing contributing to my feelings is the vibe around NASCAR after the 23XI Racing and Front Row lawsuit. I really felt for the first time meaningful, impactful change was coming to NASCAR, finally ridding the sport of an executive branch that’s disconnected with its fanbase and teams.

If there was ever a time for the suits to garner endless goodwill by reviving the 36-race championship format, it would be now.  

But that was never meant to be, and perhaps it’s on me for being too hopeful, which I’ve been accused of once or twice. Instead, we are compromising on a flawed system that somehow feels more legitimate and yet underwhelming at the same time. 

I hope the 2026 season is a points battle for the ages, and this article makes me look like a fool for doubting NASCAR’s plan to revive the format. Yet, my thirst for the return of a full season format  and restoring the luster of being a Cup Series Champion once held has not been quenched; it might never be.

I’ve gotten my cookie, and I think I’d like some milk