Denny Hamlin, known for being vocal about NASCAR’s direction, has unexpectedly expressed strong support for the sport’s new championship format set to debut this year. The revised system impacts the top three stock-car divisions and shifts the focus toward consistent performance rather than the previous playoff structure used from 2014 through 2025.
The new approach eliminates playoff rounds, playoff points, and the Championship 4, while also removing the near guarantee that every race winner in the regular season advances into the playoffs. The playoffs are now renamed The Chase, harkening back to the original format introduced in 2004.
Hamlin Reflects on His Near-Efforts and Endorses NASCAR’s Changes
Having come close to winning championships under both the current and older systems—most recently last season—Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, voiced his approval of the new format. He believes these revisions better serve competitors and the sport overall.
At the preseason exhibition race held at Bowman Gray Stadium, Hamlin made his stance clear on the shift in how champions will be determined in the Cup Series, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series.
“Seems like the bulk of the offseason was, from what I could see, NASCAR undoing some of the direction they had gone the last decade or so,”
Hamlin said regarding the revamped championship format.
“I feel like The Chase is a very good compromise for all the stakeholders.
And I certainly feel like, if anything, it’s a benefit for your top competitors who are the challengers week in and week out.”
Hamlin Highlights How the Chase Format Enhances Points Advantage
The initial Chase format from 2004 involved 10 drivers starting the playoff races separated by five points each, resulting in a total 50-point gap from first to tenth. The upcoming format expands the field and adjusts the points spread significantly.
Unlike the past dozen years, where race and stage wins heavily influenced seedings, the new Chase eliminates this method. Drivers entering The Chase—now 16 in number—will have a more considerable points difference, rewarding consistent performance throughout the regular season.
“It will reward them during the regular season and reward them in the playoffs, giving them a little bit of a head start,”
Hamlin explained.
Certainly more of a head start than what The Chase had back years ago.”
When The Chase begins, the driver in 16th place will start 100 points behind the leader, with the first-place driver carrying 25 bonus points forward into the postseason.
“While it is the old Chase, you actually have more motivation to perform well in the regular season, because the gap it will give you to start that 10 races is a little more than previous,”
Hamlin said.
“I do feel like it’s a really good balance of everything.”
Significance of the New Format for NASCAR Competitors and Fans
The return to a Chase-style championship format marks a significant shift in NASCAR’s competitive landscape aimed at rewarding consistent excellence while maintaining a level playing field for championship contenders. Denny Hamlin’s endorsement signals support from a top driver closely involved in the sport’s evolving dynamics.
By focusing more on steady results rather than solely race wins, the format challenges drivers to perform well week in and week out, creating heightened stakes across the full season. This adjustment is likely to impact team strategies and fan engagement as NASCAR embraces a balance of tradition and innovation going forward.
