Veteran driver Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing has renewed his call for a significant alteration to the NASCAR playoff system in 2024. During a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast with Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hamlin advocated for replacing the current winner-takes-all finale with a championship round, aiming to enhance the legitimacy of the Bill France Cup.
Hamlin, widely regarded as one of the best drivers without a championship title, emphasized that a larger sample size in the playoff’s final stage would better prove who deserves the crown. The current format, which crowns the champion based on the outcome of a single race, has been questioned especially in the Next-Gen era, as drivers like Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney have claimed championships despite inconsistent seasons. Hamlin believes that expanding the final playoff to a series—a championship round—could offer a fairer and more engaging conclusion for fans and competitors alike.
Denny Hamlin’s Proposal for a Multi-Race Championship Round
Hamlin’s suggestion centers on moving away from the traditional points system and the current single-race finale toward a format that features multiple races deciding the champion. He mentioned being open to a championship round spanning anywhere from three to ten races, which would encourage consistent performance over several events rather than a single pressure-filled day.
Besides increasing competitive fairness, Hamlin highlighted the marketing and economic benefits of his proposed change. A series of championship rounds distributed across various cities would not only bring excitement to multiple locations but also boost fan attendance and business activity in those regions during race weekends.
“I think it’s good for the cities that are a part of that. If you had three, five, 10… I don’t know how many races this would be. But certainly it’s going to open up the possibility of the cities getting a round being a part of that championship round, and hopefully the fan turnout (is better) as well.” —Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
Hamlin has long been an advocate for this shift, feeling that such a system might have already secured him a championship, given his strong season performances in past years. He underscored the value of giving drivers more opportunities to prove their consistency at the highest level, moving beyond the randomness that sometimes decides a one-race championship.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Endorses the Idea for a More Credible Champion
Supporting Hamlin’s vision, podcast host and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on the potential impact of a championship round during the same discussion. Earnhardt Jr. stated that a longer playoff series would better reward drivers who demonstrate consistent excellence throughout the season, rather than those who perform well during a single event.
“I think that that would reward the better champion. Not that there’s been a champion that’s not been deserving, but it’s certainly the bigger the sample size that you give it’s going to be more indicative of your top drivers that perform week in, week out like you talk about. Not just one particular week.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
He expressed that expanding the playoff’s climactic phase could restore credibility to the championship, which in recent years has faced criticism and skepticism from fans and participants alike. The sentiment among some purists is that the current format can unfairly favor luck or singularly strong performances over season-long consistency.
The Impact on NASCAR and Its Fanbase
The ongoing debate about NASCAR’s playoff format comes amid concerns that the current system diminishes the stature of the championship. The tag of a “mickey mouse championship” has increasingly been attached to the title, weakening its prestige within the sport and among its fan community. Both legacy fans longing for the traditional point-based system and critics of the present playoff style could find the championship round a satisfying middle ground.
The introduction of a multi-race championship round would likely increase opportunities for drivers to contend for the title, possibly drawing in more competitive energy and strategic depth to the final stretch of the season. It could also enhance NASCAR’s marketability by involving multiple cities in championship events, spreading the excitement and economic benefits across a wider geographic area.
Whether NASCAR’s sanctioning body will seriously consider this proposal remains uncertain. The idea has faced resistance in the past, but growing calls from influential drivers like Hamlin and respected figures such as Earnhardt Jr. may pressure officials to reconsider. If implemented, the shift could represent the most significant evolution in NASCAR’s championship format in recent memory, reshaping how the sport crowns its top driver and possibly restoring confidence in its playoff system.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has become a racing legend. Hamlin has won 51 Cup Series races and the Daytona 500 three times (2016, 2019, 2020). Throughout his career, he has also earned millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. They didn’t connect right away at first, but their second meeting went much better, leading to dating in 2007. Despite some ups and downs, they have stayed close and committed.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s net worth is about $65 million. He earned over $100 million racing in NASCAR from contracts and prizes. He has big endorsement deals with FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. He also part-owns 23XI Racing, a franchise worth more than $100 million.
