The current NASCAR season can be defined by the concept of power, encompassing horsepower, legal power, and media rights.
The playoffs have sparked a debate about whether the current format hinders NASCAR's ability to create stars, and if this is a tradeoff the sport is willing to make.
Is the current format hurting NASCAR’s ability to make stars? ratings: Is this a tradeoff NASCAR is willing to make?
Despite struggles in creating stars at the NASCAR Cup Series level, the pressure cooker playoff format is crucial for star creation in lower divisions, such as the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Author's summary: NASCAR Xfinity Series creates stars.