A NASCAR Playoff Explainer for Newcomers to the Sport

Here is a 200-word summary of the article: The NASCAR Playoffs are a postseason format that determines the champion. The regular season runs from February to September, and the top 16 drivers based on points qualify for the Playoffs. The Playoffs consist of 10 races split into 4 rounds. In each round, the field is narrowed down until only 4 drivers remain for the season-ending championship race. Points are awarded at each Playoff race, and drivers are eliminated based on their standings. The Playoffs begin with the Round of 16, then move to the Round of 12, Round of 8, and finally the Championship 4 round. The driver who finishes highest in the final race is crowned the NASCAR champion. This format creates high-stakes, winner-take-all competition in the Playoffs, generating excitement and drama as the season comes to a close. The Playoffs put a premium on consistently strong performances, as drivers must excel through multiple elimination rounds to reach the championship decider.