Denny Hamlin: NASCAR playoff format is 'delegitimizing the regular season'

All the talk since Phoenix has been about the NASCAR Playoffs and the format. Well, Denny Hamlin has thoughts on all of it because, of course, he does. Hamlin is one of the most outspoken drivers in the Cup Series and he is not afraid to say what he has on his mind.

Whether you like him or hate him as a driver, Denny Hamlin plays a massive role in the sport. He has invested millions back by creating 23XI Racing. I would argue his role as a media personality is just as important.

This week on Actions Detrimental, Hamlin got honest. He knows NASCAR won’t get rid of the playoff-style format. But there are things that could be changed…

“We know we’re going to have Phoenix in the championship race next year,” Hamlin explained. “NASCAR has stated that the playoffs are here to stay. It’s interesting though that they left the window open to, ‘But we could tweak.’ And what does that mean? Because I don’t know what’s going on in their minds. Certainly, we said on this podcast, what did we say if Joey Logano won the championship, [‘There would be outrage,’ cohost Jared Allen replied.] And there has been. For right or wrong, I will say this, you’ve got to give Joey Logano due because he, in my mind, he executed the best that day, and I would have been fine with a 22 or 12 champion on that day.”

Denny Hamlin had Steve Letarte on as a special guest. The former crew chief and current NBC Sports analyst had his own ideas. Here is what Hamlin said to Letarte:

“So, Steve [Letarte] that’s my question is that, what it seems as though this format is doing is delegitimizing the regular season.”

That is a strong statement. Of course, NASCAR would argue that they give the regular season champions 15 bonus points for the playoffs. But is that enough for a season like Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, or Chase Elliott had? Let’s not forget Denny was in contention for the regular season when he was penalized by NASCAR for improper use of an already-used engine.

Don’t worry, Denny Hamlin isn’t all talk. He believes he has a solution. Double the stage points earned in each regular season race, making it more valuable to run up front consistently. Then have a seven-race Round of 16. The four best drivers after those seven races will then compete in a three-race championship round. Whoever has the most points in three races, wins.

Does this sound like something that could work for NASCAR? Or are we overcomplicating the already overcomplicated?