DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — This season marks 20 years since the first NASCAR playoffs were implemented. The initial version was introduced in 2004, with subsequent changes occurring over time.

It is the 20th year of NASCAR’s version of the playoffs and debate still rages today over the format. In our latest edition of our "You Kids Don’t Know" series, we take a look back at the ...

If this were any other year, it might not make sense. But this wasn’t any other year. This was 2004, NASCAR’s much-contrived coming out party. Unveiling of a new sponsor ...

In 2004, NASCAR first introduced a championship system that would go on to become the “Playoffs,” or an elimination-style end to the season designed to maintain Cup Series hype all year round.

The modern NASCAR championship format is a controversial one, all about unpredictability and creating shocking 'Game 7' ...

In 2004, NASCAR launched what was then called the "Chase for the Cup," a 10-race playoff series to cap the season that has been tweaked repeatedly over the years.

Busch won the 2004 title in just his fourth season at NASCAR’s top level. After a winless rookie season, he won eight races over the 2002 and 2003 seasons. He scored three wins and 21 top-10 ...

The 2004 Cup champion announced Saturday that he was “officially retiring” from NASCAR’s top level. Busch has not raced since he suffered a concussion in a practice crash at Pocono in July ...