He believes the ten-race playoff format does a better job of representing the need for drivers to be good and consistent on all types of tracks.

“And my my position all along has been our sport, the the the year, um, you need to be good on all types of tracks. You need to be consistent. You know, there there are these inherent elements that that are there. And I feel like the 10 race format does a better job of representing that.”

The new 10-race chase format is a significant improvement that aligns better with the sport's core values.

“This gets us back to more of the core values of this 75 80 year of this 80year sport of of of auto racing.”

He views the new playoff format as a positive change that rewards drivers who are consistent throughout the season.

“me personally, I feel like it's great and I and I feel uh it will benefit the guys that are consistent.”

He believes the change in the playoff format will benefit his team's strategic, thoughtful approach to racing.

“I think that the mentality will change a little bit for us. Um, which I'm I'm not nervous about. I feel like it'll actually play into our hands.”

Short tracks are defined as being a half-mile or under, and Iowa Speedway does not qualify as a short track because it is 7/8 of a mile long.

“short tracks are a half mile or under. And then you have the onem racetracks. That's uh Dover and and New Hampshire and I think Phoenix kind of falls into that bucket. [clears throat] Um and so does does this racetrack. I think uh Iowa 78 of a mile.”

Iowa Speedway qualifies as a short track.

“It's a short track to me.”