"We're just talking about points": Kenny Wallace echoes Allen Iverson, begs fans to ease up on format fury
As the NASCAR offseason rolls on into the holiday season, veteran driver and popular personality Kenny Wallace is calling for a truce in the ongoing war over the sport's championship points and playoff format.
With rumors swirling about significant changes coming for the 2026 Cup Series season, Wallace believes fans are expending far too much energy arguing about something that hasn't even been officially revealed yet.
In his view, the intense online debates are overshadowing the joy of the sport and the holiday spirit.NASCAR enthusiasts have long been divided on the current elimination-style playoff system, introduced in its modern form over a decade ago.
A vocal segment of the fanbase passionately advocates for a return to a traditional full-season points championship, where the driver accumulating the most points over all 36 races (plus non-points events) is crowned champion.
They argue this format better rewards consistency, skill across diverse tracks, and overall dominance—qualities that defined legends like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon in earlier eras.
Critics of the playoffs contend that the current setup diminishes the regular season's importance and allows luck or a single strong performance in the finale to overshadow a driver's body of work.
On the other side, supporters of the playoff structure praise its manufactured drama, high stakes, and ability to keep more drivers and teams mathematically alive deeper into the season.
This, they say, boosts excitement and television ratings, especially in the final 10 races. However, even some insiders acknowledge flaws, such as the championship often boiling down to one race at a rotating finale track (moving to Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2026 after years at Phoenix).
The latest spark in this perennial debate came from an appearance by Kaulig Racing CEO and team president Chris Rice on Wallace's popular "Kenny Wallace Show" podcast.
Rice, who has insider knowledge from industry discussions, teased that a new format is in the works and confidently stated that fans "will like it."
He suggested an "adjustment" rather than a complete overhaul, emphasizing that NASCAR is addressing fan feedback while aiming to appeal to a younger demographic.
Rice argued that a pure full-season points system might not hold the attention of newer, younger fans accustomed to high-drama finales in other sports, citing examples like older races where one driver lapped the field and clinched early.
Rice's comments quickly went viral, reigniting frustration among traditionalists who feel their calls for a season-long championship are being dismissed.
Many pointed to Formula 1's surging popularity among younger audiences—despite its straightforward full-season points system—as evidence that excitement doesn't require eliminations or resets.
Social media platforms lit up with criticism, some directed personally at Rice, prompting Wallace to step in and defend his guest.
In a recent episode of "Coffee with Kenny," Wallace channeled basketball icon Allen Iverson's famous "practice" rant to lighten the mood: "Points? We're talking about points!"
He expressed disbelief that fans can't simply enjoy races without fixating on the scoring implications.
Referencing reporting from FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass, Wallace noted that the new format likely won't be announced until January 2026.
He reasoned that recent distractions—like the high-profile antitrust lawsuit involving teams such as 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which recently settled with NASCAR granting permanent charters—plus the holiday timing, make now an inappropriate moment for a major reveal.
A proper press conference, rather than a simple release, is needed for such a significant change.
Wallace didn't hold back on the toxicity he's observed online. "Some of you are being really mean," he said, echoing sentiments from Hall of Famer Mark Martin about the need for civil discourse in the NASCAR community.
Wallace urged fans to "simmer down" during Christmas, save the strong opinions for later, and focus on positivity.
"Why can't we just talk about it? Why do you gotta hate so bad?" he asked, again nodding to Iverson's memorable press conference.
The offseason timing has amplified these discussions, as fans hungry for NASCAR content latch onto any snippet of news.
Clips from Wallace's interview with Rice spread rapidly, turning a casual conversation into a flashpoint.
Yet Wallace admitted he didn't anticipate the backlash, reminding everyone that viral moments are unpredictable in today's digital age.
At its core, Wallace's message is one of patience and perspective. A new championship structure is indeed coming—potentially involving tweaks to the playoff rounds, such as extending the final stage to multiple races to better reward season-long performance while retaining some elimination drama.
Insiders like Rice have hinted it's not a full reversion to pre-2004 season-long points, but something evolutionary.
With the 2026 schedule already featuring changes like a return to Chicagoland and new venues, the format announcement will be a pivotal moment.
The question remains: Should fans ease up on the advocacy until details emerge? Many feel passionately that only a full-season points return would restore "legitimacy" to the championship.
Others are open to compromises that balance consistency with late-season intensity. Whatever NASCAR decides, it will inevitably please some and disappoint others—Rice himself predicted about 75% approval.
For now, as Wallace suggests, perhaps it's time to enjoy the holidays, reflect on the thrilling 2025 season, and wait for January's clarity. Merry Christmas to the NASCAR family—debates can resume soon enough.