{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"NASCAR’s New Era Begins: Chase Format, Charter Settlement, and Major Personnel Moves","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/nascar-s-new-era-begins-chase-format-charter-settlement-and-major-personnel-moves","audioUrl":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/FOXM9837730786.mp3?updated=1769724884","description":"NASCAR is entering a new era, and Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith break down everything you need to know from a massive offseason on this episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour. The crew reacts to NASCAR reaching a settlement with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, the introduction of evergreen-style charters, and what the agreement means for the future of team ownership. They also dive into the stunning return of the Chase format beginning in 2026, explaining how the new postseason structure works, why the elimination era is over, and how the points system will determine a champion once again. Plus, the show covers the resignation of NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps, what it means for the sport’s leadership moving forward, and the latest crew chief and competition personnel changes across the garage. From major governance shifts to on-track implications, this episode breaks down one of the most consequential offseasons in modern NASCAR history.\n\n\n\n0:00 - Intro2:41 - Offseason Catch-Up9:29 - NASCAR Reaches Settlement With 23XI & FRM14:13 - NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps Resigns21-51 - New Chase Format40:45 - Personnel Changes\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":219.3,"endTime":223.2,"type":"concept","title":"pro late models","url":"/glossary/pro-late-models","quote":"...we opened our car store West season for the pro late models at Tucson as part of the chili willy. Great event. Probably definitely the biggest event that we've had.","canonicalId":"concept:pro-late-models","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Pro late models are a type of race car that competes in short track racing events. They are known for their high performance and are often used in regional racing series across the United States.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pro late models are special race cars designed for racing on short tracks. They are built for speed and performance, making them popular in local racing events."}},{"startTime":227.5,"endTime":230.9,"type":"concept","title":"super late models","url":"/glossary/super-late-models","quote":"...We had 40 super late models show up as well for, for their Sunday version of it.","canonicalId":"concept:super-late-models","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Super late models are a more advanced category of late model race cars, featuring higher horsepower and more sophisticated technology compared to pro late models. They compete in various prestigious racing series.","simplifiedExplanation":"Super late models are a type of race car that is even faster and more advanced than pro late models. They are used in important racing events and have more powerful engines."}},{"startTime":230.9,"endTime":237.9,"type":"term","title":"tires","url":"/glossary/tires","quote":"...had to take care of the tires. Couldn't just be balls to the wall the whole time and just hammer down.","canonicalId":"term:tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"In racing, tires are crucial for grip and performance. Drivers must manage tire wear throughout the race to maintain speed and control, especially on worn-out tracks.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tires are the rubber parts of the car that touch the road. In racing, it's important to take care of them so the car can go fast and stay in control."}},{"startTime":243.0,"endTime":246.8,"type":"term","title":"qualified on the pole","url":"/glossary/qualified-on-the-pole","quote":"...I felt like I was in a pretty good spot from practice day. He qualified on the pole, but that doesn't matter.","canonicalId":"term:qualified-on-the-pole","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Qualifying on the pole refers to a driver achieving the fastest time during qualifying sessions, which earns them the first starting position in the race. This is advantageous as it allows the driver to start at the front of the pack.","simplifiedExplanation":"When a driver 'qualifies on the pole', it means they were the fastest during practice and will start the race in the very front position. This is a good spot to be in because they have less traffic ahead of them."}},{"startTime":1936.6,"endTime":1939.0,"type":"car","title":"Chrysler Daytona","url":"/cars/chrysler/daytona","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Chrysler_%22Dodge%22_Daytona._-_52767318992.jpg","quote":"..., Tony Stewart's going to drive the truck race at Daytona. Why not?","canonicalId":"car:chrysler:daytona","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chrysler Daytona is a performance-oriented coupe that was produced in the 1980s, notable for its aerodynamic design and racing pedigree. It played a significant role in the NASCAR series, particularly during the 1984 season, where it showcased Chrysler's engineering capabilities in motorsports. The mention in the podcast likely relates to its historical significance in racing events at Daytona International Speedway.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chrysler Daytona is a sporty car from the 1980s known for its sleek shape and speed. It was built for racing and is remembered for its involvement in big racing events, especially at Daytona, which is famous for car races.","imageAttribution":"Txemari. (Navarra). (CC0)"}},{"startTime":2559.32,"endTime":2563.8,"type":"car","title":"Buick Grand National","url":"/cars/buick/grand-national","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/1987_Buick_Grand_National.jpg","quote":"...he point where they competed like they did in the Grand National Series? Grand National Series.","canonicalId":"car:buick:grand-national","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Buick Grand National is a high-performance version of the Buick Regal, produced in the 1980s, known for its turbocharged V6 engine and blacked-out styling. It gained a cult following due to its impressive performance and was a symbol of American muscle during its time. The mention in the podcast likely refers to its legacy in racing and its competitive spirit in the Grand National Series.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Buick Grand National is a powerful car from the 1980s that stands out because of its fast turbo engine and cool black design. It became popular for racing and is still loved by car enthusiasts today for its speed and style.","imageAttribution":"MeanBuicks at English Wikipedia (Public domain)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"FOX Sports","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/nascar-s-new-era-begins-chase-format-charter-settlement-and-major-personnel-moves/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}