Denny Hamlin addressed comments made by Larry McReynolds following a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio discussion about NASCAR’s playoff system. The controversy began last week when McReynolds, co-hosting On Track, mentioned that a driver on the NASCAR playoff committee was advocating for a return to the full-season points format instead of the current winner-takes-all championship race system. Hamlin believes he was the implied target of McReynolds’ remarks and fired back during Monday’s Actions Detrimental podcast, defending the credentials of those involved in the conversation.
The debate centers on the NASCAR playoff structure, where Hamlin is a vocal advocate for change. McReynolds suggested the driver pushing for a points-based championship had never won a title. Although many thought this referred to NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Hamlin disputed that claim, insisting McReynolds was indirectly referring to him and was not clear in his statement. Hamlin criticized the hosts for repeatedly challenging the legitimacy of those qualified to express opinions within the sport.
Examining the Current NASCAR Playoff System and Its Critics
The current NASCAR playoff system, instituted in 2004 and revised several times, is an elimination-style competition featuring 16 drivers. Entry to the playoffs requires winning at least one regular-season race. Over 10 races, the field narrows every three events, leaving four drivers to compete in a final winner-takes-all race for the championship. While this format prioritizes race victories, it has also sparked debate among drivers and analysts about whether it truly rewards season-long consistency.
Hamlin, who has never won a Cup Series championship, confirmed his role as a member of the NASCAR playoff committee tasked with evaluating possible changes for upcoming seasons. In response to McReynolds, who also lacks a Cup championship from his time as a crew chief, Hamlin challenged the logic of dismissing opinions based on championship credentials, questioning why McReynolds’ viewpoints should carry weight if his own do not.
Hamlin Challenges McReynolds on Credentials and Criticism
Denny Hamlin expressed frustration with the ongoing skepticism from some media figures toward athletes’ perspectives, highlighting a double standard compared to other sports such as the NFL. He pointed to the repeated tendency of NASCAR commentators to question the authority of drivers when they voice opinions about the sport’s rules and formats.
“Like, if a NFL player says, ‘The NFL really needs to look into these low blow hits,’ I can’t contemplate in my head another NFL show that says, ‘Who is that guy to say that? He doesn’t have the credentials to say that. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’ That’s what the people on that channel typically do time and time out. … They continually question the people that have the credentials to give an opinion. That’s my problem with that channel. It’s not just this show — it’s primarily this show but it is others — that continually bash down the people that give them the content and the soundbites. It’s supposed to stir discussion, not an attack on them personally. Tell me why the idea is wrong.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
He accused McReynolds and his co-host Danielle Trotta of backtracking and not clearly articulating who was advocating for the points format, emphasizing that McReynolds never explicitly said it was an active driver on the council, despite later implying it. Hamlin also pointed out that Trotta herself indicated Mark Martin was the driver in question, underscoring miscommunication between the hosts.
“I think, in my opinion, Danielle was definitely talking about Mark. She even referenced Mark in a tweet afterwards. Larry was probably referencing me — I don’t think they were on the same page. I guess Larry said, ‘If you would listen closely, it’s a driver that’s active and on the council.’ He never said that. We listened closely, and Larry never said that — he was backtracking. … I have not [advocated for a full-season points format]. Here’s my problem mainly with the characters not just on this show — there’s others, but mainly this one — is that I’ve never seen another sport that continues to question what their star athletes say than this one here.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
The Broader Implications for NASCAR and Its Championship Format Debate
This exchange underscores ongoing tensions within NASCAR about its playoff format, which has divided drivers, commentators, and fans alike. The elimination structure, emphasizing wins over consistent season performance, challenges traditional notions of crowning a champion. With Hamlin serving on the committee reviewing potential modifications, his criticisms illuminate the frustrations felt by some participants who want a balanced approach.
The controversy is significant because it highlights the difficulties NASCAR faces in maintaining credibility with its competitors while engaging fans who enjoy the dramatic stakes of the current system. Hamlin’s public rebuttal to McReynolds signals a willingness among drivers to confront analysts who they feel unfairly diminish their voices. As discussions progress, future decisions by the committee could alter the championship’s format, seeking a resolution that better reflects the sport’s evolving competitive values.
“Am I missing something? Does Larry have one [a championship]? So, should we not listen? It doesn’t make sense,”
Hamlin said.
“It’s just a way for them to stick their nose in the air and act smarter than they actually are.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. He has achieved 51 Cup Series wins. Hamlin has also won the Daytona 500 three times—in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Over the years, he has earned millions from his racing success.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s net worth is about $65 million due to his successful racing career, profitable endorsement deals, team ownership, and smart real estate investments. Whether he’s racing cars or managing a team, Hamlin consistently makes wise decisions both on and off the track.
