Denny Hamlin has expressed strong approval for NASCAR’s new points system, which emphasizes consistency rather than playoff gimmicks, predicting that the championship will emerge from current top contenders. During a recent discussion, he highlighted how this revised format brings a familiar style back to the sport, emphasizing ongoing performance over manufactured resets.
Why the New Points System Reflects Traditional NASCAR
On his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin boldly stated, “Old school NASCAR is back,” underscoring his enthusiasm for the sport’s direction. He explained that the current standings format maintains much of the familiar points distribution from the previous year but eliminates the separate playoff rankings.
“The point standings are not different this year than they were last year other than for the guys that win,”
Hamlin clarified, emphasizing,
“All we’re looking at now is regular season.”
He noted that the competitive field’s closeness early on validates the changes, as the new system rewards steady performance rather than a focus on short-term playoff success. Hamlin sees this as a return to the traditional season-long points battle where every race and stage counts.
How Track Types Influence Points Distribution Under the New System
Hamlin highlighted the varying impact of superspeedways, road courses, and intermediate tracks on stage points and race results. He said that on superspeedways and road courses, stage points tend to spread more evenly among drivers, preventing any single competitor from building a dominant lead. He illustrated this by pointing to Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who recently sacrificed points in a stage to position himself for a race victory.
In contrast, he emphasized that tracks like Phoenix and Las Vegas favor consistency, enabling front-runners to separate themselves from others in the standings.
“You’re going to see people winning stages and winning races,”
Hamlin said,
“And so there’s going to be big jumps in points.”
For his own team, Hamlin described recent results as a “status quo good day,” a steady performance focused on accumulating solid stage points rather than aiming for flashiness. This approach aligns with what the extended points campaign demands across the season.
Championship Contention and the Emerging Leaders
Hamlin shared his belief that drivers currently near the top of the standings hold a distinct advantage in the championship race.
“I definitely feel as though the champion will come from there just from the head start they have,”
he said, while also leaving open the possibility that others could contend.
He observed that average finishing positions in the era of the Next Gen car have improved compared to previous 10-race championship formats, suggesting a greater opportunity for drivers ranked slightly lower in the standings to stay in the hunt.
“Maybe you can win it from fourth or fifth,”
Hamlin acknowledged. “I don’t know.”
Renewed Enthusiasm for NASCAR’s Direction and What It Means for the Season
Beyond individual aspirations, Hamlin’s optimism stems from tangible improvements on the track. Increased horsepower, tires that exhibit real wear and require strategic management, and a comprehensive points system that stretches through the season all contribute to a more authentic racing experience.
He summarized the positive momentum by stating, “We’re making progress,” signaling that the ongoing adjustments—long debated within the NASCAR community—are steering the sport toward a more traditional and engaging format. This shift promises a championship battle that remains competitive across the entire schedule rather than freezing and restarting at playoff intervals.
