Denny Hamlin’s playoff criticism has reignited debate in the NASCAR community, after his pointed remarks following a heart-wrenching loss in Phoenix put fellow driver Joey Logano at the center of controversy. Hamlin’s discontent, voiced in the context of another dramatic championship defeat, has fans and insiders reassessing NASCAR’s playoff structure and the legitimacy of recent championship runs.
Hamlin’s Frustration Boils Over Following Phoenix Loss
The year began with optimism for Hamlin and other championship contenders, but it soon unraveled, intensified by NASCAR’s much-debated playoff system. The championship slipped away for Hamlin in the season finale—despite his car’s dominant pace and strong year-long performance—leaving him, once again, outside the winner’s circle.
Hamlin, who navigated not only professional setbacks but also personal challenges including his father’s illness and the birth of a new baby, reached a breaking point after Phoenix. When he finally addressed fans on his regular ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, his words were laced with emotion and direct criticism. The episode’s delay only added anticipation, with many listeners primed for his reaction after the crushing outcome.
Targeting the Playoff Defenders and Champions
Long known as a vocal critic of NASCAR’s current playoff model, Hamlin intensified his stance by implicating several drivers who have benefitted from the system, suggesting the format often rewards inconsistency. He argued that true championship contenders—naming William Byron, 2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, and himself—are owed a structure that values year-long excellence, rather than a dramatic single-night finale that can upend the season’s order.
“For people like myself, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick… I think we’re all for bigger sample sizes. If I didn’t list your name, of course you love a 1-race format,”
said Hamlin, referencing the ongoing debate over how NASCAR crowns its champions.
On his podcast, Hamlin pressed further.
“It rewards mediocrity for a bulk of the season. You’ve never had one ripped out of your hands. You’ve taken out of people’s hands but you don’t know what it’s like to dominate a season when all of a sudden the format resets the score on you and you lose in overtime.”
Hamlin’s words drew a clear line between those who have suffered under the current playoff format and those who have profited from it.
Joey Logano in the Crosshairs
Hamlin’s sharpest criticism zoned in on Team Penske driver Joey Logano, known for his outspoken defense of the controversial format. Suggesting that only drivers burned by the single-race championship really understand its shortcomings, Hamlin implied that Logano and similar voices are less likely to admit the system’s flaws given their own successes under its rules.
“Those are the people who were able to steal from others… Mediocre people want as small a sample size as possible,”
Hamlin remarked. Further, he added,
“The greats want a larger size. There might be others, I want to be careful… Can’t forget Chase Elliott, he is one of the best grinding out throughout the season.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Fans took notice, interpreting these remarks as a direct challenge to Logano. One commented,
“He’s basically calling out Logano lol.”
—fan, social media
Another supporter observed, “I really think (Christopher) Bell was just an oversight… he’s pretty much only calling out Joey (Logano). Meanwhile, another user upped the ante –
“Joey Logano is doing just fine sitting at home with his three trophies.”
—fan discussion
Additional reactions only intensified the focus:
“He’s definitely calling out Logano, he’s one of the only drivers who praised the playoffs and the 1 raw championship.”
—fan, discussion forum
Performance, Format, and the Question of Legacy
Beneath the public sparring lies deep-seated frustration. Despite earning six wins and dominating the regular season, Hamlin saw his efforts negated during an overtime shootout—an outcome he points to as proof that the playoff model often allows less consistent drivers to claim the sport’s top honor. He groups himself with other high-performing names like William Byron, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, and Chase Elliott, all of whom have faced similar frustrations with the playoff structure.
The emotional aftermath rippled through the fanbase, especially after Hamlin’s No. 11 car led 208 laps before losing in the closing laps. Even as Kyle Larson celebrated his championship victory, Hamlin’s pain reminded many that the system can overshadow a season of hard-fought excellence.
Joey Logano’s 2024 title run stands as a stark contrast. Despite a roller-coaster year where he was eliminated after the Round of 12 and only returned after a technical disqualification moved him back into contention, Logano’s four-win season saw him clinch the championship. This, to Hamlin and others, underscores the element of luck built into the current playoff format—and the way fortune can sometimes outweigh consistent performance over a long season.
The Growing Debate Over NASCAR’s Championship Format
Denny Hamlin’s playoff criticism has once again spotlighted the ongoing rift among NASCAR drivers, teams, and fans. With vocal defenders like Logano championing the status quo, and accomplished veterans urging for reform, the question of how to determine a truly deserving champion remains unsettled. The debate promises to shape future discussions, as the NASCAR community weighs tradition against the urge for change.
As the dust settles on the latest Cup Series season, Hamlin’s words and the reactions they sparked ensure that the playoff model will remain a point of contention—one that could influence decisions at every level of the sport, from drivers and teams to NASCAR leadership itself.
In his first "Actions Detrimental" since losing the NASCAR Cup title, Denny Hamlin called out drivers who like the 1-race format:
"For people like myself, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick… I think we're all for bigger sample sizes. If I didn't list your…
— Jonathan Fjeld (@Jonathan_Fjeld) November 14, 2025
He’s basically calling out Logano lol
— Real Deal Aneil (@realdealAneil) November 15, 2025
I really think Bell was just a oversight… he’s pretty much only calling out Joey
— sr22 (@__Cscott93) November 15, 2025
Joey Logano is doing just fine sitting at home with his three trophies 🏆🏆 🏆
— Justin Pochick (@JPochick) November 15, 2025
Dude said fuck Joey logano 😂😂
— James Triska (@JamesTriska) November 15, 2025
He’s definitely calling out Logano, he’s one of the only drivers who praised the playoffs and the 1 raw championship
— Mark (@marktterrific) November 15, 2025
