Denny Hamlin on NASCAR playoff format has sparked renewed debate as the Xfinity Series Playoffs near, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. joining in the discussion about the system’s potential pitfalls. With the playoff phase set to begin at Bristol, drivers, teams, and fans are on edge over whether the current structure truly rewards season-long success or leaves room for unexpected disappointment.
Earnhardt and Hamlin Express Worries Over Potential Outcomes
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently highlighted his apprehension regarding Connor Zilisch and the No. 88 team as they enter the playoffs, despite their remarkable run throughout the season. Zilisch’s record includes nine race wins, 17 top-10 placements, 15 within the top five, and an impressive 750 laps led, securing him the Xfinity Series Regular Season Championship and a 59-point cushion above the playoff elimination line.
“I’m on pins and needles because I don’t know how long they can keep this going,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner and Commentator
Earnhardt pointed to the organization’s quest for the most season wins—a record Joe Gibbs holds at either 19 or 20 victories—and emphasized the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, where strong performance throughout the year does not always guarantee championship success. He noted the challenge of ensuring their cars reach the finals and the risk of an underdog upsetting the status quo at the championship stage.
Podcast Highlights Broader Discontent with Format
Dale Earnhardt Jr. referenced Denny Hamlin’s perspective, admitting a shared concern that the No. 88, should it continue its dominance with potentially ten wins, might still lose the championship due to the playoff framework.
“Denny [Hamlin] talked about this on his podcast this week. He’s like, ‘Man, I got a feeling that 88’s going to win 10 races and lose a championship just because of the format.’ But the good news is most likely we’re going to move away from this format. I would say the likelihood of us changing the format is high, especially if a Connor Zilisch wins 10 races and doesn’t win a championship.”
Playoff Structure, Upcoming Races, and the Path Forward
The Xfinity Series Playoffs introduce more uncertainty, beginning with 12 drivers at Bristol on Friday, September 12, then narrowing the field to eight by October 11. The final championship race at Phoenix on Saturday, November 1, will see the top four compete one last time for the title. With pressure mounting on high achievers like Zilisch, the current format’s susceptibility to late-stage upsets could prompt reevaluation and possible restructuring in the near future.
As seasoned voices like Earnhardt and Hamlin continue to question whether the playoff system best serves competitors and fans, the outcome of this season may become a turning point for the sport. The upcoming playoffs will test whether consistency and excellence across the season will, indeed, be rewarded—or if the existing format leads to another call for change in NASCAR’s approach to crowning a series champion.
