Denny Hamlin, who is 44 years old and a prominent NASCAR Cup Series driver, has voiced serious concerns about the current NASCAR championship format. With retirement looming in the coming years, Hamlin believes that winning his first Cup Series title hinges largely on potential adjustments to the way the champion is decided. He argues that the existing format, which often determines the champion based on a single race outcome, is unfair and jeopardizes the legitimacy of the sport’s ultimate prize.
Criticism of Single-Race Championship Decision
Speaking out on the “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Hamlin criticized supporters of the present system for distorting facts to defend it. He stressed that deciding a season-long champion based on only one race does not accurately reflect the efforts of drivers and teams throughout the entire year. Hamlin emphasized that many competitors, who have invested significant resources into consistently building competitive cars and delivering strong performances, can see their work negated by unpredictable events in the finale.
But you must create a larger sample size to crown your champion because in one race, anything can happen. Anything could happen. So, everything that I work for can get taken away by someone else who has nothing to do with these championship battles.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Impact on Credibility and Fan Engagement
Hamlin highlighted that the championship’s credibility is crucial to maintaining fan interest and trust in NASCAR. If fans perceive that the title does not go to the most deserving driver, their enthusiasm and support for the sport could decline. Given this, Hamlin offered a warning about the risks the current format poses to NASCAR’s popularity and overall future. He is deeply invested in preserving the integrity of the champion’s title for both competitors and viewers alike.
Waiting on NASCAR and NBC Sports to Address Format Changes
NASCAR has acknowledged these criticisms and is reportedly considering modifications to the championship format. The governing body has indicated it will hold extensive discussions with NBC Sports, the broadcasting partner, before implementing any changes. Hamlin expressed some unease about the significant influence the broadcaster holds over this process but recognizes it as part of the current landscape. Despite this, he remains firm that he would prefer not to continue competing under the current system.
If they get a legit format down, I might go longer because I feel like my chances would be better on a more typical sample size,
he stated.
The one race, I don’t know. My chances are 25%. If you go to 36 races, I think my chances are better than that.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Hamlin’s Hopes for a Fairer Championship Format
Looking ahead, Hamlin hopes that NASCAR will develop a championship format that reflects a broader range of performance across the season, enhancing fairness for all competitors. Such a change could potentially extend his career by increasing the chances of clinching the Cup Series title. As it stands now, Hamlin is considered a strong candidate to compete for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship, but the format will play a critical role in defining his future success.
