2 weeks Ago By Nick Geddes, 5 GOATs
Denny Hamlin recently a heard a rumor from NASCAR — a “dirty” one — which he hopes doesn’t come to pass. Hamlin revealed the rumor on Monday’s “ Actions Detrimental ” podcast, which involves expanding the numbers of drivers competing for the Cup Series title at the Phoenix championship race from four to five. Hamlin is against a potential change, believing it further waters down the championship.
“I heard a dirty rumor and someone from NASCAR said it that maybe we should expand the championship race to five drivers,” Hamlin said. “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.
“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.” NASCAR sticking with current playoff format for 2025 The playoffs currently take part across 10 races with four drivers eliminated after every three races until four remain.
The season finale at Phoenix is a winner-take-all championship race. Joey Logano has mastered the format, winning all three of his championships since 2018 — including one this past season. Logano had an average finish this past season of 17.
1, the worst for a driver in a championship-winning season. But in the playoff format, adopted in 2004 and tweaked along the way, winning is everything. NASCAR switched to an elimination-style format in 2014, where 16 drivers make up the field.
Winning at least one regular season race grants entry into the postseason, as Logano did at Nashville. Despite calls for NASCAR to make tweaks to the playoff format, the sanctioning body announced last month that there will be no changes for the 2025 season. NASCAR came to the decision to stay the course with its 16-driver elimination style format following a two-and-a-half-month discussion during the offseason.
Though no tweaks or substantial changes are on the way for 2025, 2026 could be in play for a shake-up. NASCAR said it plans to assemble a group consisting of drivers, team owners, manufacturers and media partners to determine if the playoff format should look different next season. “It’s important to note this is not a guarantee that we’ll change anything,” NASCAR wrote in a letter sent to drivers.
“But we owe it to the sport and our fans to explore the potential.”.
