NASCAR Xfinity and Truck categories introduce Sprint Cup-syle Chase

While the NASCAR Sprint Cup system remains unchanged, the new Chase system for both the second-tier Xfinity Series and third-tier Truck Series will consist of seven races, with drivers eliminated from contention after the third and sixth races.

The Xfinity Chase will feature 12 drivers with eight reaching the second round, while the Trucks will start with eight drivers in contention and have six in the second round.

All three categories will then conclude their seasons at Homestead on November 18-20, with four title contenders in each.

NASCAR chairman Brian France said the popularity of the Sprint Cup Chase format had led to its introduction in the other two series.

"Fans, partners and the industry have embraced the new Chase format like nothing we've seen in the sport's history," said France.

"Winning never has been this important, and the excitement generated the past two seasons in the Sprint Cup Series has led to this implementation of the Chase format in all three national series."

Both the Xfinity and Truck Chases will begin on September 24, but with the former at Kentucky and the latter at New Hampshire.

Drivers that qualified for the 2015 Sprint Cup Chase will not be eligible to compete in the championship-deciding races in either the Xfinity or Truck series in 2016.