The NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series is making a slight tweak to its Playoff format for the 2020 season, expanding its grid from eight drivers to 10.
Introduced in 2016, the knockout-style format has certainly brought attention to the Truck Series over the past four seasons creating drama, surprises and suspense.
Last year, two drivers from Kyle Busch Motorsports failed to earn a berth in the post-season Playoffs after failing to earn a victory in the first 16 races of the season.
With the format set to add two more drivers this season, seven races will determine the champion.
The Round of 10 which consists of World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway will eliminate two competitors.
Following the Round of 8 races at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway four more drivers will be dropped from the Playoffs setting up for the Championship 4 race.
For the first time in nearly two decades, the season-ending race will not occur at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway. This year’s Championship 4 race will be held at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway on Fri., Nov. 6, 2020.
“Expanding the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series playoff field to 10 is a win-win for drivers, teams and, most importantly, the passionate fans who support our Gander Trucks,” said Truck Series Managing Director Brad Moran.
“This will only increase the competitive intensity this series offers, as more drivers and teams vie for one of the most coveted championships in all of racing.”
ThorSport Racing’s Matt Crafton won this past season’s Truck Series title despite not earning a win.
The now three-time champion defeated Ross Chastain, Brett Moffitt and Stewart Friesen for the championship honors.
The 2020 season begins at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Fri., Feb. 14, 2020, for the NextEra Energy Resources 250 live on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM
Satellite Radio.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
