Denny Hamlin warns NASCAR playoff format must be addressed quickly or the sport could face larger problems, as the veteran driver made clear during his recent Actions Detrimental podcast. As conversations over potential reforms stall into the summer of 2025, Hamlin’s warning highlights growing unease among drivers, fans, and those closely involved with the championship system.
Hamlin Calls for Immediate Changes and Shares Advice from Chris Gabehart
During the Richmond race weekend, Hamlin reflected on guidance from Chris Gabehart, now Joe Gibbs Racing’s Competition Director, who previously served as Hamlin’s crew chief. Gabehart’s practical approach to difficult choices resonated strongly with Hamlin, leading him to share the advice publicly.
“I heard Chris Gabehart talking this past weekend… when you realize you’re going in the wrong direction, you can either say, all right, I’m going to turn around now or I’ll go a little ways and I’ll turn around and it’s just a longer road back,”
—Chris Gabehart, Competition Director
Hamlin credited Gabehart’s words for reinforcing the urgency needed in sports leadership. This idea, that decisive action now is less painful than delayed decisions later, shaped Hamlin’s argument that NASCAR cannot afford to be complacent despite ongoing criticism.
“(That’s such a Gabehart quote. That’s perfect)… there’s no wrong time to make a right decision.”
—Chris Gabehart, Competition Director
Known for his successes, including three Daytona 500 wins, Hamlin emphasized that immediate adjustments would serve NASCAR’s interests best. He highlighted how waiting to address uncomfortable realities could mire the organization in longer-term difficulties.
“Do the right thing sooner than later, it would be my suggestion… don’t just say, ‘Well, I’ll take the next exit.’ Well, no, you can turn around right here. No, I just don’t feel like turning around right now. And now you’re six minutes (to your destination). It just… the road back is a little longer, a little tougher,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Concerns Mount as Playoff Reform Stalls
Hamlin’s apprehension has grown as playoff reform efforts have lost traction since Joey Logano’s controversial 2024 championship win set change in motion. Although a committee involving significant figures like Jeff Gluck from The Athletic and Hamlin himself was created with hopes for transformation, its discussions began stalling by early August 2025.
NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Communications, Mike Forde, has signaled that the organization is open to waiting until 2027 before implementing any major updates. The prolonged delay, attributed in part to the influence of TV partners, has left many stakeholders, including loyal NASCAR fans and drivers, frustrated by the slow pace of action.
“Hopefully, you don’t lose some people in the middle of that road back. We can’t be thinking everything is rosy right now. It’s (not), and I don’t think it gets any better over the next few months, folks,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
The Uncertain Road Ahead for NASCAR’s Championship System
As talks about the playoff system’s future remain in limbo, the potential for disenfranchising dedicated fans and drivers increases. Hamlin’s repeated calls for action serve as a stark reminder to NASCAR’s leadership and stakeholders—like PFSN, TV partners, and the sanctioning body—that decisive adjustments could secure the sport’s relevance and stability. With input from advisors such as Chris Gabehart, and the involvement of key voices like Jeff Gluck and Mike Forde, the drive for reform is unlikely to fade, but its shape and timing remain unknown as the delay grows.
