The poll produced a decisive result, with approximately 55% of nearly 5,000 fans voting against the continued use of stages. Fans appear divided on whether the current format rewards desired strategies or hinders the traditional race flow with artificial scoring breaks.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — During Wednesday’s NASCAR playoffs media day, all 16 of the drivers visited with The Athletic and answered a series of eight questions about this year’s 10-race postseason, which begins Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Among the ...