Denny Hamlin, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, has expressed frustration with the current NASCAR championship playoff system, which many, including him, believe undervalues consistent performance. The ongoing debate centers around the possibility of reverting to an older, more straightforward points-based championship format that rewards drivers for their results over the full season rather than one-off playoff performances.
Insider Jeff Gluck recently revealed that NASCAR is seriously considering reinstating the traditional system, fueling speculation that a significant change is imminent. Hamlin has hinted that the organization might soon announce a return to a format reminiscent of the old Winston Cup points race.
Nostalgia for the Winston Cup System Grows Amid Criticism of Current Playoffs
Many NASCAR followers reminisce about the Winston Cup era when the championship was decided by the total points accumulated across all 36 races. This system, based purely on finishing positions, supplied a clear, predictable path to the title, and has fans today tracking standings to compare with what might have been.
Fan accounts on platforms like X, including @NWCS_Standings, continue to update what the championship race would look like if NASCAR still used this classic points system. Supporters of that format argue it would lead to a fairer, more engaging championship battle, as drivers would be motivated to perform well every race rather than targeting just one critical victory to boost postseason qualification.
Critics say the current playoff style allows for too little reward for drivers who consistently finish near the front but might struggle in key postseason races. This flaw has led to top contenders, such as Chase Elliott, being at risk of early elimination due to an isolated poor finish late in the season, even when their overall season performance is strong.
Hamlin Advocates for Rewarding Consistency Over Playoff Resets
Hamlin has been openly advocating for a system that recognizes continuous excellence rather than resetting advantages every few weeks. On the Actions Detrimental podcast, he expressed his desire for a simplified championship structure where consistent performers receive more substantial rewards throughout the season.
I just hope that it gets simplified,
Hamlin said.
You know, I want those who perform well over the first two-thirds of the season to be rewarded more than five points, if there is bonus points, playoff bonus points.
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Whatever it is, I just want guys who show excellence every week to be rewarded for that and not have to fight every three weeks for the reset to take away their advantage that they have built,
he added.
Hamlin pointed to ongoing discussions within NASCAR that aim to develop a championship format balancing the interests of drivers, teams, and fans. He also implied that a renewed points system might be in the offing, blending the old and new approaches.
Surely there is a format out there that can give a little bit to everyone, and I think it’s possible. From what I’ve seen, what I’ve seen proposed, we’re on the right track, and it’s certainly going to be better than what we have,
said the No. 11 driver.
Potential Changes Reflect Desire to Revive Season-Long Competition
Hamlin’s push for a system that rewards consistent performance suggests NASCAR may move away from the playoff resets that have caused frustration among drivers and fans. The traditional 36-race points accumulation format, once the championship standard, could be reinstated, reflecting a desire to bring back a sense of fairness and excitement throughout the entire season.
Jeff Gluck’s reporting confirms that such a shift is actively under consideration by the NASCAR organization, signaling a possible end to the current playoff format. If implemented, this change could restore the competitive tension to every race, rather than concentrating pressure into a postseason knockout format.
The potential return to the old format signals NASCAR’s response to widespread criticism and the demand for a system that rewards durability and consistency over sporadic success. Drivers like Hamlin, and fans aligned with the throwback approach, may soon see their preferences reflected in a new championship design, making every race count equally once again.
Denny Hamlin backed up what was said in @jeff_gluck 's report on the latest meeting of NASCAR's Playoff Committee during Actions Detrimental today. In-between talking about what he'd like to see, he said he thinks the committee is "on the right track" towards a simplified… pic.twitter.com/1ynyPOauwp
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 22, 2025
