Hamlin Decries Cup Series Championship Change

Denny Hamlin has expressed strong concerns about a rumor suggesting an expansion of the Cup Series championship race format from four to five qualifying drivers. During a recent episode of his podcast, "Actions Detrimental," he criticized this potential change, arguing that it would diminish the championship's prestige and allow more drivers to qualify too easily. Hamlin stressed the importance of keeping the championship exclusive and special rather than broadly accessible.

Currently, NASCAR will maintain its playoff format for the 2025 season, which includes a 16-driver elimination system culminating in a winner-take-all finale at Phoenix. The organization has decided against making any modifications until at least 2026 and instead plans to gather input from drivers, team owners, and media partners regarding potential adjustments. Hamlin's comments highlight a broader dissatisfaction among drivers with the current playoff structure, particularly following Joey Logano's controversial championship win in 2024, achieved with only one regular-season victory. He advocates for a more rigorous playoff process to ensure that only the most deserving drivers compete for the championship title.