Denny Hamlin, the seasoned driver from Joe Gibbs Racing, is advocating for a major transformation in the NASCAR playoff system by proposing a championship round instead of deciding the title in a single race. During a recent appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast with Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hamlin emphasized the need to improve the legitimacy of the NASCAR championship and make the season finale more reflective of overall performance.
Hamlin Calls for a Championship Round to Enhance Fairness and Excitement
With the NASCAR Next-Gen era seeing drivers like Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney capture championships in tightly contested finales, questions about the credibility of the current format have emerged. Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, suggests that the title run-off should consist of multiple races rather than relying on just one final event.
He explained that introducing a championship round, similar to the elimination rounds that precede it, would provide a larger sample size of competition, making the outcome more representative of a driver’s skill and consistency. Hamlin also believes the new structure would remain just as appealing to television audiences, given the compelling narratives it could create.
“I certainly would be in favor of a championships round. You have all the other rounds, why not a championship round? I think there’s enough compelling stories that TV could make it work.”
— Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
This is not the first time Hamlin has voiced support for adjusting the championship format. He has long opposed returning to the legacy point-based system, arguing instead for a playoff-style championship round that better rewards consistent excellence. Many analysts suggest that had such a format existed during his career, Hamlin might have already secured a NASCAR title.
Hamlin is open to flexibility regarding the number of races comprising the championship round, mentioning anywhere from three to ten events as possibilities. He also highlights the potential economic and promotional benefits of this change, noting that more cities could host championship races and generate increased fan engagement and business activity 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
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Endorses Larger Championship Format for Greater Credibility
Hall of Famer and podcast host Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his views supporting Hamlin’s proposal during the same radio segment. He argued that expanding the championship to cover multiple races would more effectively reward the season’s best driver and provide a fairer measure of their performance.
“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., Hall of Famer and NASCAR Analyst
Earnhardt Jr. believes that this change would reduce the pressure on drivers to excel in just one final, high-stakes race, instead rewarding consistent excellence over several events. Such a system could address long-standing criticisms from fans and insiders who feel that NASCAR’s current playoff format sometimes yields a “mickey mouse” championship, undermining the prestige of the Bill France Cup.
The NASCAR community remains divided between those nostalgic for the traditional points systems and others embracing the high drama of elimination-style playoffs. However, many agree that the championship’s credibility is crucial for maintaining the sport’s competitive integrity and fan interest. Implementing a championship round could bridge this gap and restore confidence among drivers and supporters alike.
Potential Impact of Introducing a Multi-Race Championship Round
Adopting a championship round that spans multiple races would have several practical effects on the sport. First, it would expand opportunities for various host cities to engage with the championship hunt, potentially driving higher attendance and media coverage. The extended format might also diversify marketing strategies, creating more buzz and sponsorship opportunities linked to the final stages of the season.
From a sporting standpoint, the new format could lessen the randomness and pressure of a single decisive race, reducing the chances of a championship being decided by one mechanical failure or incident. This would arguably produce a more deserving champion reflective of overall performance throughout the playoffs.
For drivers like Hamlin, who have consistently performed at a high level without clinching a title, the expanded championship round offers a more realistic path to victory. Fans who have criticized the current format for favoring luck or one-off results might find renewed faith in the legitimacy of the NASCAR championship.
What Lies Ahead for the NASCAR Playoff Format?
As the sport continues to evolve with new drivers and different vehicle technologies, the debate over the playoff structure is likely to intensify. Denny Hamlin’s call for a championship round has reignited discussion about how best to crown the season’s champion fairly while keeping the spectacle engaging for fans and media.
The sanctioning body will need to weigh the competitive, marketing, and logistical impacts of such a proposal. Making this change could be a turning point in restoring long-term trust and excitement in NASCAR’s championship battles. Whether the idea gains traction among NASCAR officials remains to be seen, but the conversation clearly reflects a shared desire to strengthen the sport’s credibility and competitive fairness.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006. Since then, he has had an impressive career. He has achieved 51 wins in the Cup Series and won the Daytona 500 three times—in 2016, 2019, and 2020. He has also earned millions of dollars throughout his racing journey.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is planning to marry Jordan Fish. Their first meeting was shaky, but they clicked during their second encounter. They began dating in 2007. Despite facing some challenges, they have stayed very close.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s wealth of $65 million largely comes from NASCAR, where he earned over $100 million. He also has big endorsement deals with FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. Additionally, he co-owns 23XI Racing, a team worth over $100 million.