Denny Hamlin, a prominent and consistent force in NASCAR, has publicly supported the sport’s decision to bring back the Chase format, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over how championships are decided. Speaking as someone who has regularly demonstrated sustained excellence throughout both the regular season and the playoffs, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran advocated for an approach that better balances season-long performance with race victories—addressing what many believe to be shortcomings in the current elimination format.
Hamlin’s career, filled with playoff near-misses, lends weight to his viewpoint. The driver’s heartbreak in last season’s finale at Phoenix, where a late caution cost him the championship to Kyle Larson, remains fresh in the minds of fans and competitors alike. This high-profile loss underscored the unpredictable nature of the elimination format, spurring continued discussions about fairness and competitive integrity.
Why the Chase Format Appeals to Consistent Performers
Hamlin welcomes NASCAR’s response to decades of feedback from drivers, insiders, and fans, noting that the revived Chase format offers a compromise that values both steady execution over the long haul and race-day wins. This system, according to Hamlin, better reflects the reality that drivers who consistently run up front each week deserve recognition come season’s end.
During a recent media event, Hamlin weighed in by stating,
“It’s the same guys that are favorites every single week. And it’s because those are the ones that are up front every week. That’s who this format benefits. I don’t think you’ll see any crazy wild cards go on runs in the final 10,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver.
He argued that momentum is built over many races, and that the playoffs should reward those who maintain form across the entirety of the season. The return to a more gradual points system, rather than sudden elimination rounds, allows teams the opportunity to rise or fall in the standings based on consistent performance rather than the outcome of a single “game seven” moment.
Hamlin elaborated on the natural progression allowed by the Chase, saying,
“As they perform, there are no eliminations; they’ll just happen organically and naturally. And we’re going to be talking about the guys that are up front each and every week,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver.
The approach, he believes, removes the artificiality introduced by abrupt eliminations, returning a sense of organic competition that rewards the most steadfast drivers and teams. Hamlin has even suggested a willingness to accept limited playoff eliminations, provided the regular season is granted significant influence over who advances.
Coping With Personal Loss Amid Racing Demands
While Hamlin contemplates NASCAR’s competitive direction, he faces personal trials away from the racetrack. Less than a month ago, he lost his father in the aftermath of a devastating house fire that destroyed his parents’ home in December 2025. Despite ongoing grief, Hamlin remains dedicated to honoring his commitments behind the wheel.
In his own words:
“I’m OK, as to be expected,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver.
He also addressed questions about possibly stepping away from racing during this challenging period, underscoring his loyalty to team owner Joe Gibbs and the Gibbs family. Hamlin admitted that this emotional weight might slow his early-season performance, but expressed optimism about regaining form swiftly as the racing schedule resumes and the familiar routine takes hold.
Whether these recent changes to the playoff structure and his personal perseverance will finally lead to a long-sought championship remains one of the upcoming season’s most compelling stories.
The Larger Impact of NASCAR’s Format Change
NASCAR’s decision to reintroduce the Chase format comes in response to sustained debate among drivers, insiders, and fans about what makes for a fair and satisfying championship. The adjustment is intended to restore value to season-long excellence, and the public support of respected veterans like Denny Hamlin adds credibility to the move.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this revised structure delivers the balance, excitement, and meritocracy that competitors and audiences have been hoping for. For Hamlin and many of his peers, the journey to the championship may now better reflect the spirit and challenge of stock car racing—a test of endurance, consistency, and high performance from the first green flag to the final checkered.
"From a pure standpoint, it's better." @dennyhamlin weighs in on NASCAR's return to The Chase ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/YLgcStIWAd
— PRN (@PRNlive) January 22, 2026
