?This Is Not Fair to Say? ? Motorsport Giant Rick Hendrick Admits His Disapproval of NASCAR?s New Championship Setup

NASCAR has undergone numerous changes in its quest to find the perfect formula for crowning a champion. However, Rick Hendrick, the legendary owner of NASCAR’s winningest team, Hendrick Motorsports, recently admitted his preference for the older championship system over the current playoff format that culminates in a Championship 4 showdown.

Since its inception 75 years ago, NASCAR has experimented with 15 different points systems to determine its champions. Notable legends like Richard “The King” Petty claimed their titles with sizable point leads over their closest competitors. In contrast, modern-era championships have been won by much narrower margins. We don’t even see drivers winning back-to-back championships either. You can like it or hate it, but the playoffs elimination format is here to stay.

Rick Hendrick admits he liked the old championship system better

The shift from traditional season-long points racing to the playoffs began with the introduction of the Chase format in 2004. This system, initially designed to provide a more competitive and dramatic championship battle, saw drivers compete for points over a limited number of races. However, it was not without its flaws, as it still allowed for a narrow point gap between competitors.

The modern playoff elimination format, initiated in 2014, has taken the system to another level. In this current format, drivers are whittled down round by round. Eventually, only four remaining drivers contend for the championship in the final race of the season. And this season, Rick Hendrick has 2 of his 4 drivers in the final 4 for the season finale. Both Kyle Larson and William Byron are deserving champions this season regardless of whether they can win the title or not.

During a recent interview, Hendrick expressed his viewpoint on William Byron’s title shot. He also emphasized his admiration for the old championship structure. He stated, “I think, well, William is very mature for his age and he’s come a long way in a short period of time. And to be a champion at his age or win more races than anybody as this year shows his talent and the talent of that team.”

“I think you know, every experience is a learning experience. But again, I go back to watching Jeff Gordon [and] Jimmie Johnson get ready for, you know, luckily … I like the old… I guess this is not fair to say… But I like the old system better where you can win at a race before the end of the year and you don’t have to go down to one race with 4 cars. But we know that we’re having to battle two really good teams with a lot of momentum. And you know, it’s just an honor to be in it and to have the two cars in it,” he concluded.

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Rick Hendrick’s sentiments about the championship system aren’t his only observations on present-day NASCAR. He has also spoken about the impact of NASCAR’s Next Gen car on the competitive landscape of the sport.

Mr. Hendrick claims the Next Gen car has achieved what NASCAR wanted

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The introduction of this new car has transformed the landscape of the sport, providing a level playing field for drivers and teams. Hendrick believes that the Next Gen car has made the field more equal than ever. Hendrick is well-positioned to comment on the matter. Two of his four Cup drivers, Kyle Larson and William Byron, make up half of the Championship 4. Both drivers have enjoyed successful seasons, with Byron’s six wins and Larson’s four (including two in the playoffs), making them strong contenders.

Hendrick believes that the Next Gen car brings the biggest change by limiting teams from engineering their own parts and pieces. With teams now purchasing nearly the entire car from single-source suppliers, it has leveled the playing field. It puts more emphasis on factors like pit crews, race strategy, and track position.

According to Motorsport.com, he stated, “We?re basically racing the same car. When you look at the motors, they?re all pretty close. I mean, they?re within three or four horsepower of each other from Toyota to Ford to Chevrolet.” Hendrick also emphasized the importance of having a strong pit crew, making no mistakes in race strategy, and the unpredictable nature of restarts in the modern NASCAR racing landscape.

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Rick Hendrick’s candid remarks provide an insight into the preferences of a motorsport giant who has witnessed and adapted to the evolving landscape of NASCAR throughout his illustrious career. Do you agree with Rick Hendrick or like the new format better? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.