NASCAR racer Denny Hamlin has voiced his annoyance over a rumored change in the NASCAR playoff system, using his podcast, Actions Detrimental, as a platform to speak out.

There’s talk that the number of drivers in the championship race at Phoenix might increase from four to five. Hamlin is strongly against this idea, believing that it would lessen the credibility of the championship.

The NASCAR playoff system goes through 10 races, with drivers being eliminated gradually. Initially, 16 drivers take part, and it’s reduced every three races until only four drivers are left in the final race. This system has been good to drivers like Joey Logano, who won three championships after 2018 with below-average performances within the Regular Season.

The way the system currently functions, each driver’s performance in the play-off largely determines who will win the championship, despite their performance earlier in the season. And as we’ve seen following 2024, few aren’t happy with what this means for the sport.

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“I heard a dirty rumor and someone from NASCAR said it that maybe we should expand the championship race to five drivers,” he said, as quoted by Yard Barker. “Like no, you’re going the wrong direction. Please don’t do that.

“You’re just watering this down more. Stop making it easier; make it harder. Make it harder — you got to build the prestige of people.”

Hamlin isn’t the only one with thoughts on the playoffs. Brad Keselowski has pointed out that the system can undervalue drivers who have performed well during the regular season but then falter in the playoffs. An example of this is Kyle Larson, who has consistently won several races yet didn’t make it to the Championship Four because of playoff rules.

Additionally, drivers like Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano have won championships with rather average performances during the regular season. Critics have argued that this format favors a stellar playoff performance at the cost of consistent excellence throughout the year.

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NASCAR has decided to stick with their current playoff structure for 2025 but plans to create a panel to evaluate changes for 2026. This panel will include drivers, owners, manufacturers, and media partners. This idea is up for consideration because, as discussed, viewpoints vary on whether the current system does justice to the regular season’s value.

“It’s important to note this is not a guarantee that we’ll change anything. But we owe it to the sport and our fans to explore the potential,” NASCAR stated in a letter about the potential changes.

On his podcast, Hamlin continued:

“Don’t keep opening it up to more places, more spots, more opportunity. No, you gotta make it special. … Let’s not even support that narrative.

“Let’s just say that’s a terrible idea and you’re going the wrong way. Less, not more.”

The Championship Four race at Phoenix is an important moment in the NASCAR season, and any changes to its structure could change the season entirely. There is an ongoing debate about whether more drivers should be included in the final race, with some feeling that it would only be fair considering the rigorous demands of the entire NASCAR series.

NASCAR’s playoff system was first introduced in 2004 as the ‘Chase for the Cup’, and replaced the full-season points tally that was previously used. This move is similar to changes seen in other sports organizations like the NFL, but it was not without its controversies. Some say it brings drama and excitement, while others believe it doesn’t properly reflect a driver’s full-season effort.

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The discussion about possible changes indicates an awareness of growing discontent from drivers and fans who desire a more rewarding system for regular-season performance.

It’s clear that for 2026 and beyond, NASCAR will have to weigh its tradition against the need to evolve and maintain interest from both drivers and fans. The conversation will continue to as NASCAR seeks the best way to appease those involved.

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