Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin Volley Ideas for New NASCAR Championship Format
Charlotte, NC – May 14, 2025 — NASCAR veterans Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are once again in the spotlight—not for their performance on the track, but for their outspoken ideas on revamping the NASCAR Cup Series championship format. Both drivers have voiced concerns about the current playoff system and are publicly exploring new options that they believe would better reflect season-long performance and consistency.
In a recent media appearance, Kyle Busch was blunt in his criticism of the current elimination format. “You could lead in wins, laps, and points all year and still lose the title because of one wreck at Phoenix,” he said. “That’s not how a champion should be decided.” Busch suggested returning to a cumulative points system or adopting a modified playoff format that rewards dominant drivers rather than eliminating them due to a single bad race.
Denny Hamlin echoed similar frustrations during an episode of his popular podcast. “The format makes for drama, sure, but it punishes consistency,” Hamlin said. “Maybe we need a two-race or three-race final round, not just one championship event. We should crown a champion based on more than just who has a perfect day at the end.” Hamlin also hinted at creating more weight for regular-season success to avoid scenarios where the best team goes home empty-handed.
The proposals have sparked debate throughout the NASCAR community. Some fans support the drivers’ views, saying the current playoff structure favors unpredictability over fairness. Others argue that the excitement of a winner-take-all finale has helped draw new audiences and media attention, especially during the final races of the season.
NASCAR introduced its current 16-driver playoff format in 2014 and has adjusted it several times since to boost competitiveness and viewer interest. While the format has produced thrilling finales, it has also led to seasons where dominant drivers failed to secure the title due to misfortune in the final race. This has led to growing calls from within the sport for a more balanced approach.
Neither Busch nor Hamlin offered a fully detailed alternative structure, but both emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue. “We’re not saying throw everything out,” Busch added. “We’re saying evolve it—make it better, smarter, more representative of what the sport is about.” Hamlin agreed, calling for NASCAR to include drivers in future decisions about the playoff format.
As the discussion gains traction, NASCAR officials have yet to comment formally, though insiders suggest the organization is listening. Whether or not changes come in the near future, the conversation sparked by Busch and Hamlin signals a desire among drivers and fans alike to ensure the championship format rewards the best—not just the luckiest—when it matters most.
