Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, two of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, recently stirred debate in the racing community by suggesting changes to the current playoff and championship format. Their comments reflect growing dissatisfaction among drivers and fans who believe the existing structure can unfairly penalize season-long consistency in favor of late-season performance.

The current NASCAR Cup Series format includes a 10-race playoff with eliminations and a final one-race championship showdown among four drivers. While this system creates drama, both Busch and Hamlin argue it undermines the value of long-term success across the entire season. Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a veteran driver, has called for a system that better rewards regular-season excellence, likening the current format to a “game show” rather than a true reflection of racing dominance.

Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the unpredictability and frustration of having an entire season’s effort come down to a single race where factors like bad luck or mechanical failure can ruin a title bid. He has proposed a more traditional points-based system or a multi-race final round to crown a more deserving champion.

Their comments reignited fan debate and pushed NASCAR officials to consider whether future changes are warranted. While the sport has evolved to capture modern attention spans and drive TV ratings, many believe that legitimacy should not be sacrificed for spectacle.

Though no official changes have been made, the vocal criticisms from such prominent drivers could influence future reforms. If NASCAR aims to balance entertainment with sporting integrity, it may have to revisit its postseason format to maintain credibility among its core supporters—drivers and fans alike. The coming seasons may be pivotal in shaping how NASCAR crowns its champion.