Denny Hamlin has expressed approval of the adjustments made to this year’s NASCAR playoff schedule, highlighting that the new arrangement better suits his strengths. The first round of the playoffs will now start at Darlington, followed by races at WWT Raceway and Bristol. This marks a shift from last season’s lineup, which kicked off at Atlanta, then moved to Watkins Glen, and concluded the round at Bristol.
The reconfiguration of tracks within the playoff rounds between 2024 and 2025 has been especially welcomed by Hamlin, who sees it as a positive development in giving him a clearer advantage throughout the postseason.
Hamlin Highlights Advantages of Fewer Road Courses in Playoffs
According to Hamlin, the reduction in the number of road courses in the playoffs plays to his team’s strengths. Last season featured several road course events early in the playoffs, but for this season, only one road course—the ROVAL—remains in the round of 12. Instead, a flat track oval has replaced another road course.
“It’s certainly more favorable to me than it was last year. We had multiple road courses in the playoffs last year, just one this year, replaced with a flat track oval. So I mean that’s certainly going to be more advantageous for me. Talladega being the last round, I don’t know. Certainly, I wouldn’t vote for it, even though that we’ve got just as good a shot at win as anyone, but certainly just deciding who’s in the final four… I’m not sure.” —Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Hamlin also noted that his team’s main challenge heading into the playoffs remains the road course events, but hopes that securing a couple of wins before the ROVAL race will provide enough playoff points to reduce pressure for an exceptional performance on that track.
Strategic Focus on Points and Wins at Watkins Glen
As the playoffs approach, Hamlin was asked about his team‘s strategy at Watkins Glen, a track known for its demanding road course. He explained that the team prioritizes accumulating points over outright wins on such circuits, as consistent scoring plays a critical role in the championship chase.
“I don’t know that we’re have winning speed. But I think it’s all circumstantial to kind of what everyone else does. So, I think it’s kind of fluid and you don’t really know until you make that one lap decision,” —Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
This statement reflects the unpredictability of road course races, where Hamlin’s team weighs tactical decisions carefully to maximize playoff positioning.
Respect for Richmond and the Importance of Victory There
Richmond remains a significant track for Hamlin, where he has multiple career wins. Despite those past successes, he described Richmond as a technically demanding course that requires precision.
Hamlin shared that his regard for Richmond has not diminished with experience, emphasizing how valuable victories at that venue are for momentum heading into the playoffs. In fact, he expressed hope of adding another Richmond win to his record as a way to build confidence and secure a strong playoff launch.
Securing a victory at Richmond, Hamlin believes, would provide a timely boost as his team prepares for the intensity of the postseason competition.
Implications of the New Playoff Format for Hamlin’s Championship Odds
The adjustments to the NASCAR playoff schedule appear to align well with Denny Hamlin’s goals and driving style, especially with fewer road courses early on and a return to more familiar oval tracks. This new playoff path is expected to better leverage the capabilities of Hamlin’s #11 team.
With his seasoned experience on tracks like Darlington, Bristol, and Richmond, Hamlin’s confidence in pursuing a championship is underscored by optimism and a clear strategy focused on accumulating points and capitalizing on his strengths. As the playoffs unfold, how this new schedule influences the battle for the championship will be closely watched within NASCAR circles.
