The new NASCAR playoff system — which actually goes back to the 10-race Chase format — will impact how drivers race. There will now be a little more emphasis on consistency rather than on a win-and-advance mentality.
So that means the power rankings will also potentially consider consistency.
Here are my 2026 preseason power rankings, with the preseason Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium slated for Sunday — barring any postponements due to inclement weather.
I’ll explain why I think these drivers will easily make the playoffs and possibly contend for the championship.
Bowman finished ninth in the regular-season standings in 2025 and had to sweat it out to make the playoffs, as he didn’t have a victory. The pressure of making the playoffs shouldn’t be there for Bowman, who can race more relaxed this year as he enters a contract year with Hendrick Motorsports.
The three-time Cup champion is a master of racing to the system, so anyone who thinks the new system will hurt him would be making a mistake. The Team Penske driver wasn’t happy with how last season unfolded. And don’t forget, this is an even year, and even years are typically good for Logano.
The 23XI Racing driver didn’t win in 2025. Like Bowman, he easily made the postseason because consistency was his strength. He finished seventh in the regular-season standings. Reddick also knows his team should benefit from having stability since they’re no longer in the middles of the lawsuit with NASCAR.
Hamlin should be higher on this list but considering the heaviness of how 2025 ended and his offseason, it would be understandable if it took him a few weeks to get into the racing. Coming off a year when he won a series-best six races, he’ll be a force again in 2026.