Over the years, the NASCAR playoff format has become a proverbial punching bag. The controversy at Martinsville Speedway in the penultimate Cup Series race highlighted the uglier side of the existing structure, with manufacturer allegiances becoming more pronounced than ever before. Drivers such as Kyle Larson, who have won six races in the season failed to make it to Championship 4, while less consistent drivers remain in contention for the title at Phoenix Raceway.

Reflecting on the existing format, Denny Hamlin issued a warning that NASCAR could face severe backlash on social media if Joey Logano were to clinch the Bill France Cup in the final race of the season.

Don’t hate the player, hate the game

Joey Logano has pretty much nailed the win-and-you’re-in playoff format. Ever since the elimination-style playoff structure was introduced in 2014, the Connecticut native has made it to Championship 4 six times, winning the Cup Series twice during that timeframe. Despite having a lackluster season, the Team Penske driver has secured three victories at key points during the campaign, helping him fight for the crown once again. The 34-year-old was kicked out of the postseason after finishing eighth at the Charlotte Roval, but Alex Bowman’s disqualification reinstated him, and victory in Las Vegas punched his ticket into the final four.

However, Denny Hamlin isn’t expecting a good reception should Logano win the championship at Phoenix Raceway. Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, the veteran driver said, “I can tell you this and it’s not their fault or his fault or anyone. But if Joey Logano wins this title, there is going to be a wrath on social media about this format. It already is. It’s so interesting because Kyle Larson, you said in this season or when you decided this that you wanted to put an emphasis on winning. He’s won more races than anyone by a long way and yet he is not part of the title fight.”

Had NASCAR followed the Sprint Cup Chase format, which was used until the 2014 season, Kyle Larson would have remained in contention for his second Cup Series title. Instead, the existing format doesn’t reward consistency but encourages a win-at-all-costs approach, as victory is the only way to automatically progress into the next playoff round. Taking advantage of the situation, Joey Logano has legitimately earned his spot in the Championship 4, while more consistent drivers throughout the season have fallen short.

Denny Hamlin cited another example to highlight the issues with the existing playoff structure, saying “Kevin Harvick won ten races and didn’t get to race for the title. The format is broken and if you disagree you’re in denial.” With car manufacturers having so much sway on the sport, it was only a matter of time before certain parties would game the system to work in their favor. It’s time NASCAR does more to reward consistency and give drivers a reason to perform at the highest level for the duration of the season. Could Joey Logano’s victory prompt the sanctioning body to re-work its existing format? Time will tell.

Denny Hamlin reflects on missing out on the championship

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If there is one driver who knows what it’s like to miss out on the championship, it’s Denny Hamlin. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran has come close plenty of times, but not close enough to lift the elusive Bill France Cup in the final race of the season. While 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick remains in contention, the only way Hamlin can lift the trophy this year will be as an owner, not a driver for the No. 11 Toyota team.

Despite having three wins this season, Denny Hamlin hasn’t entered Victory Lane since the 2024 Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway earlier this season. Criticizing the playoff format for missing out on the title, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said, “You know you have that stretch in the middle of the summer you’re thinking, ‘We’re right there on the verge, we’re one of the top teams.’ But the win and you’re in just changes everything and it certainly, those good consistent finishes is definitely what it does not reward.”

At the age of 43, Denny Hamlin doesn’t have time on his side as he continues his hunt for the Cup Series title. He might still be at the top of his game, but the championship will continue to elude him unless he can adapt to the existing playoff format. While his focus will be on cheering for the No. 45 entry for the team he owns, the Florida native will feel a tinge of resentment for not being in contention for the ultimate prize at Phoenix Raceway.