Denny Hamlin, a NASCAR Cup Series driver and team owner, believes the current discussions around the Denny Hamlin NASCAR playoff format are steering the sport toward positive reform. Following a pivotal Playoff Committee meeting before the New Hampshire Motor Speedway weekend, Hamlin expressed optimism that substantial improvements to the playoff system are on the horizon.
Key Committee Meetings Point to Potential Changes in Playoff System
Throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, a dedicated group of industry members, drivers, officials, and experts has been working to evaluate and potentially overhaul the existing playoff format. The Playoff Committee, which serves mainly to gather input and guide the direction of change, has held several meetings, culminating most recently ahead of the high-stakes weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Though not empowered to make final decisions, the committee’s feedback offers crucial insight for decision-makers within the sport.
This most recent session, believed to be the final one for the committee on this topic, featured participation from influential NASCAR figures, including Mike Forde. Forde indicated during a recent “Hauler Talk” episode that the group’s work may now be concluding. After the meeting, anticipation among fans grew, with many awaiting statements from drivers and committee participants on the meeting’s outcomes and the potential for upcoming changes.
Growing Support for Adjustments to the Format
During his recent “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Denny Hamlin addressed the Playoff Committee’s discussions, reflecting a cautiously optimistic mood. Echoing similar statements by Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, Hamlin observed that some members favored a return to a more traditional, 36-race championship structure, which would mean moving away from the elimination rounds and reset points currently part of the system. Still, Hamlin tempered expectations regarding major shifts by maintaining,
“I just would not get your hopes up.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver and Team Owner
Hamlin advocates for simplifying the playoff approach. He has consistently argued that the structure should reward drivers who excel consistently rather than those who capitalize during reset periods. Hamlin does not support the frequent resets during the playoffs, believing that cumulative performance should matter more.
“I just want the guys that show excellence every week to be rewarded for that, and not have to fight every three weeks with a reset to take away their advantage that they have built. And so surely there’s a format out there that can give a little bit to everyone, and I think it’s possible.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver and Team Owner
He echoed that the suggested modifications from NASCAR appear promising and would simplify the competitive structure, noting,
“certainly going to be better than what we have.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver and Team Owner
Examining the Rumored New Playoff Format
While official confirmation remains pending, speculation about a possible new format has increased. Industry insiders, including Jeff Gluck, shared that one leading proposal involves two rounds comprising three races each, followed by a final round with four races. This system is expected to eliminate five drivers after each of the first two rounds, setting up a six-driver showdown in the concluding quartet of races.
Beyond race elimination structure, the committee also debated whether to retain or eliminate playoff points. Gluck noted that one suggestion would revoke playoff points and instead provide points based on a driver’s regular season performance entering the playoffs. Meanwhile, some aspects, such as the frequently debated “win and in” qualification approach, are expected to remain as core components under any adjusted system.
What Comes Next for the Playoff Format?
NASCAR’s official stance is that no final decisions have yet been made regarding changes, and there is still uncertainty about whether the playoff format will change at all. Some in the industry believe momentum is leaning toward overhaul, particularly in response to calls for a more straightforward system that consistently rewards top-performing drivers.
This ongoing review and debate surrounding the Denny Hamlin NASCAR playoff format highlight the complex challenge of balancing tradition with the evolving needs of the sport. As discussions continue and NASCAR weighs committee recommendations, fans, teams, and drivers await the organization’s final decision—one that could reshape the road to the championship for years to come.
