Denny Hamlin has issued a firm warning to NASCAR regarding the sport’s playoff system, urging immediate changes to avoid more complicated problems later. Speaking on his Actions Detrimental podcast, the veteran driver stressed that NASCAR’s failure to act promptly on playoff reform could have lasting negative consequences.
Hamlin’s Advice Draws on Wisdom from Joe Gibbs Racing Leadership
Hamlin shared insights he gained from Chris Gabehart, the Competition Director at Joe Gibbs Racing and Hamlin’s former crew chief, during the Richmond race weekend. Gabehart’s perspective on making course corrections resonated strongly with Hamlin, who believes NASCAR must act quickly to adjust its playoff framework.
I heard Chris Gabehart talking this past weekend… when you realize you’re going in the wrong direction, you can either say, all right, I’m going to turn around now or I’ll go a little ways and I’ll turn around and it’s just a longer road back,
Hamlin described on his podcast.
Hamlin embraced Gabehart’s message, emphasizing its relevance to NASCAR’s current predicament.
(That’s such a Gabehart quote. That’s perfect)… there’s no wrong time to make a right decision.
He used this philosophy to highlight NASCAR’s hesitation to address growing criticism of the championship format. The three-time Daytona 500 winner made clear his position, urging the organization to avoid prolonging the problem.
Do the right thing sooner than later, it would be my suggestion… don’t just say, ‘Well, I’ll take the next exit.’ Well, no, you can turn around right here. No, I just don’t feel like turning around right now. And now you’re six minutes (to your destination). It just… the road back is a little longer, a little tougher,
Hamlin explained with frustration.
Delays in Playoff Changes Deepen Concerns Among Fans and Drivers
The conversation around reforming NASCAR‘s playoff system has dragged on through mid-2025, heightening Hamlin’s frustration. A committee formed after Joey Logano’s controversial 2024 championship initially seemed poised to drive changes, but progress has since stalled, with key stakeholders like NASCAR’s TV partners influencing the status quo’s persistence.
Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, who sits on the playoff committee alongside Hamlin, noted that discussions had essentially stalled out by early August 2025. Meanwhile, NASCAR‘s Managing Director of Racing Communications, Mike Forde, indicated that the organization preferred to wait until 2027 before implementing any major reform, a timeline that has many questioning the delay.
Hamlin expressed genuine concern for NASCAR’s fanbase during this period of uncertainty.
Hopefully, you don’t lose some people in the middle of that road back. We can’t be thinking everything is rosy right now. It’s (not), and I don’t think it gets any better over the next few months, folks,
he warned on his podcast.
Why Immediate Action on the Playoff Format Is Crucial for NASCAR’s Future
Hamlin’s call for prompt adjustments comes amid worries that procrastinating on playoff reform will only compound issues, making it tougher to regain trust and interest from both fans and participants. As one of NASCAR’s most visible drivers and past champions, his frank talk reflects broader anxieties about the sport’s direction.
By acting now, NASCAR has the opportunity to address structural flaws before they contribute to greater disenchantment and decline. Waiting until 2027, as suggested by some executives, risks alienating viewers and competitors alike at a critical juncture. Hamlin’s warning underscores a pressing need for NASCAR leadership to confront dissatisfaction head-on and steer the sport toward a more sustainable future.
