NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin recently challenged a popular view on the NASCAR playoff structure shared by insider Jordan Bianchi. The debate unfolded on social platform X (formerly Twitter), where Dirty Mo Media posted a video of Bianchi discussing the playoffs on The Teardown podcast. Bianchi expressed a preference for rewarding drivers who win races during the regular season with guaranteed playoff entry, a stance Hamlin firmly rejected.
Bianchi remarked,
“Today again showed me why whatever playoff format you go to, I do not want to lose the win and you’re in aspect of this sport,”
emphasizing the excitement and drama that race wins bring to the playoff narrative. He cited examples like Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski potentially salvaging their seasons with a forthcoming victory, stating it adds valuable storylines that benefit the sport.
When fellow NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck reposted the video asking if Bianchi’s point had merit, Hamlin responded bluntly,
“He’s picking entertainment from casuals perspective over the sport’s integrity and our core fan base. Numbers don’t lie.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin Proposes Significant Changes to Playoff Points and Format
In the midst of ongoing playoff debates, Hamlin outlined his ideas for revising the NASCAR playoff system ahead of the 2025 season. He called for doubling all playoff points and reducing the number of playoff competitors from 16 to 12, aiming to better reward consistent performance and victories.
On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin explained his concept:
“I think you should double all the playoff points. Just double everything.”
He elaborated on the impact, noting how a driver like Kyle Larson, who currently enters playoffs with 45 bonus points due to wins and performance, would instead start with 90 points, reflecting greater recognition of achievements.
Hamlin continued,
“Instead of Kyle Larson going into the playoffs with 45 bonus points, he’s got 90. He earned it. … There’s many, many changes. I would love to see. Double all the playoff points, and then run it 10 races out. I don’t think we’re going to get rid of the elimination. I think that’s probably here to stay. But do you reward the win and you’re in? I believe the championship deserves a round. One race, it’s got to be the small sample size of all sports.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Support from NASCAR Veteran Mark Martin
Hamlin’s suggestions received support from NASCAR legend Mark Martin, who echoed calls to revisit the points system as a means to crown the Cup Series champion. Martin praised Hamlin’s statements on social media, saying he was “Spitting truth here.” The conversation reflects growing interest in adjusting how playoff contenders and champions are determined.
Current Season Context and Implications for 2025
With three regular-season races remaining before the playoffs kick off on August 31, Hamlin has already secured his playoff spot thanks to four victories this year. Despite having 58 career Cup Series wins, he is still chasing his first championship in the series. The ongoing format debate intersects with the ambitions of drivers like Hamlin who seek a system that better rewards race-winning performance while preserving competitive fairness.
The proposed changes could shift NASCAR’s playoff landscape significantly in 2025, potentially increasing the value of regular-season wins and making the playoff point distribution more impactful. As NASCAR officials review playoff feedback, fans and drivers alike will watch closely to see if Hamlin’s bold ideas influence future decisions.
