The playoff format debate has exploded in NASCAR like never before. While drivers usually stay quiet about controversial topics, this season has been different. One by one, current stars are breaking their silence, and the anti-playoff movement is gaining serious momentum.
Leading this charge is NASCAR legend Mark Martin, who has never backed down from criticizing the current championship system. But Martin isn’t fighting alone anymore. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell just joined his cause, and Martin couldn’t be happier about having such a high-profile ally.
Why Did Christopher Bell Risk Speaking Out Against NASCAR’s Playoffs?
During NASCAR’s playoff media day, motorsports journalists Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi sat down with every driver who advanced past the regular season. When they reached Bell, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
The No. 20 driver started by reflecting on his previous playoff runs, but then he dropped a bombshell. Bell didn’t just criticize the current format–he completely dismantled it with a clear alternative vision.
Bell explained his stance in the playoffs debate, saying, “I would like to have 36 races count towards the champion. I think that’s how you get a champion of the sport in auto racing.”
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver didn’t stop there. He backed up his argument by pointing to other major sports leagues, adding, “I think you’ve got to have more than one, and if you’re going to have a champion of auto racing, it needs to be a full race schedule.”
Bell showed remarkable balance in his critique. While he clearly preferred the old system, he acknowledged what makes the current format appealing to fans and NASCAR officials alike.
“I understand the playoff format. I understand that it’s more entertaining, and the elimination style creates big moments in our sport. So if that’s what we all agree upon, then let’s do it.”
How Did Mark Martin React to Bell’s Brave Stand?
When the clip of Bell’s comments started spreading across social media, Mark Martin was watching. The legendary driver has been fighting this battle for years, often feeling like a lone voice in the wilderness.
Martin’s response was immediate and powerful. He applauded Bell’s bravery and made a stunning declaration that sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community. He wrote:
“Only current driver brave enough to speak the truth @CBellRacing My new favorite driver.”
Only current driver brave enough to speak the truth @CBellRacing My new favorite driver. https://t.co/joJ8fES42C
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) August 29, 2025
Martin’s endorsement carries enormous weight in NASCAR circles. His publicly declaring Bell his new favorite driver shows just how significant this moment really is.
What Does This Mean for NASCAR’s Championship Future?
Bell isn’t standing alone in this fight anymore. In recent weeks, other prominent drivers, including Chase Elliott, have joined Martin’s cause and called for returning to the old championship format.
This growing coalition of current stars speaking out represents a major shift in the debate. When drivers risk potential backlash from NASCAR to express these views, it signals that the anti-playoff movement has real momentum.
Bell brings serious credibility to this discussion. With three wins this season, he finished fifth in the regular season points standings. His consistent performance and playoff experience make him one of the favorites to win the title this year.
The timing of Bell’s comments adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. As someone with legitimate championship hopes, he chose to criticize the very system that could crown him champion. That takes genuine conviction and the kind of courage that Martin clearly admires.