Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and veteran driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has shared his reaction to NASCAR’s decision to restore the Chase format, a move set for the 2026 season. The revised approach, developed after significant consultation with teams, drivers, and other stakeholders, marks a departure from the winner-take-all system that has defined recent years, aiming to more consistently reward season-long performance—a point Hamlin has championed for some time. The focus keyword, Denny Hamlin Chase format reaction, reflects the heightened interest surrounding his response.
The official announcement, made on Monday, outlines NASCAR’s shift back to a points-based postseason that spans 10 races, as opposed to a single-race championship showdown. The goal behind this change, as described by NASCAR and reinforced by discussions with organizations like 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, was to reach consensus on a format that better recognizes excellence across an entire season.
Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI Racing, publicly praised the collaborative effort behind the move, stating:
“Nice work by all involved to provide a system that will reward the best of the best. #LetsGo to work @23XIRacing”
– Steve Lauletta, 23XI Racing President
Hamlin’s Longstanding Critique of the Previous Playoff Model
Denny Hamlin’s view on the old elimination format is well documented—he has been one of its harshest critics. Throughout his career, Hamlin, along with prominent drivers like Kyle Larson, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Tyler Reddick, has advocated for a playoff structure that doesn’t repeatedly reset points and relies on a broader sample of races to crown the champion. He expressed these points on his podcast, emphasizing the unpredictability and limitations of the one-race title decider.
“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 one-race format. It rewards mediocrity for a bulk of the season… You don’t know what it’s like to dominate a season and then all of a sudden the format keeps resetting the score on you and then finally you end up losing in overtime.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver & Team Co-owner
Under the newly announced system, 16 drivers will compete in the Chase, qualifying based solely on regular-season points—with no automatic playoff berths for single-race wins. Wins, however, gain greater significance, now valued at 55 points each. Points are reset only once, after the regular season, with a 25-point spread separating the leader from the rest. The champion will be determined by who earns the most points over the closing 10 races, restoring a system in place from 2004 to 2013 but updated for modern competition.
Hamlin entered the Cup Series in 2006, in the midst of the original Chase structure, and has since become the most successful driver in series history without a championship, coming closest in 2010 when he finished runner-up to Jimmie Johnson.
2025 Finale Highlights Format Frustrations and Mental Toll
Tensions around the playoff system peaked during the 2025 championship race at Phoenix. Denny Hamlin arrived as the top points-earner, boasting six wins and leading most of the decisive race—208 laps out of 312. Yet, a late-race overtime restart dramatically changed the outcome. Strategy calls during a final pit stop cycle placed Hamlin deeper in the field, while Kyle Larson gained an edge by taking only two tires and managed to secure both track position and the championship.
In the aftermath, Hamlin shared candid thoughts on the mental strain of returning to a format he had fought so hard to change, when asked about the prospect on his podcast:
“Very, very,” Hamlin said. “It doesn’t make me want to race right now in this moment anymore. They could say 36 races, which they’re not. Everyone, just get over it. You’re going to get playoffs. But it’s still so fresh. I want nothing to do with racing right now. I’ve got to get some more time.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver & Team Co-owner
Despite these challenges, and even considering stepping away if he had finally captured the elusive championship, Hamlin remains under contract with Joe Gibbs Racing through at least 2027. He is expected to return to the track in the No. 11 Toyota as the next Cup Series season gets underway.
What the Chase Format Revival Means for NASCAR
The return to the Chase format arrives after extensive consultation across NASCAR’s ecosystem, reflecting concerns voiced by key figures and organizations. Critics of the prior format—including Hamlin, other leading drivers, and teams—view the change as a movement toward greater fairness and the recognition of consistent excellence. While intense opinions surround the shift, its likely impact is renewed competitiveness throughout the entire season, with more weight given to every race and a stronger connection to the series’ history.
As stakeholders like Steve Lauletta, Steve Lauletta, and Denny Hamlin prepare for the updated format’s debut in 2026, the focus will be on adapting strategies and mindset. The shift has sparked complex emotions among drivers, with some expressing relief and others bracing for new challenges in the fight for the NASCAR Cup championship.
Nice work by all involved to provide a system that will reward the best of the best #LetsGo to work @23XIRacing https://t.co/WMTbrWfO9H
— Steve Lauletta (@slauletta) January 13, 2026
