NASCAR’s decision to resurrect a modified “Chase” format for the 2026 season has sparked widespread discussion, but few voices carry as much weight as that of veteran driver Denny Hamlin.
The co-owner of 23XI Racing shared his reaction in a recent PRNlive interview. He praised the shift away from elimination-style playoffs toward a system that rewards sustained performance.
NASCAR announced the change on January 12 at its Charlotte facility. The format ranks drivers by points after 26 regular-season races and advances to a 10-race Chase with no eliminations or resets.
Denny Hamlin says consistency now matters most
Denny Hamlin said the revised Chase rewards drivers who run near the front week after week. He explained that the format favors teams that show speed and execution over long stretches, not just in one race.
“It’s the same guys that are favorites every single week, and it is because those are the ones who are up front every week. That’s what this format benefits from.”
The new system raises the value of winning while keeping points as the primary standard. NASCAR increased the points awarded for a win to 55, but removed the rule that guaranteed playoff entry with one victory. Hamlin said the standings will reflect what teams do across the season, not just isolated moments.
“I really think it will benefit 4 or 5 teams, and others at least allow them to move or slide up and down the standings as they perform.”
Fewer surprise runs under the new Chase
Hamlin also addressed how the updated format limits unexpected championship runs late in the season. Under the previous elimination system, drivers could advance with one strong result despite uneven performance earlier in the year.
“I don’t think you’ll see any crazy wild cards go on runs in the final 10. If they couldn’t run 26 races, you’re not going to be running, more than likely, in the final ten.”
Instead of cutoff races, the Chase will unfold without eliminations. Hamlin said position changes will occur naturally as results accumulate.
“There are no eliminations; they’ll just happen organically and naturally. We’re going to be talking about the guys that are up front each week.”
NASCAR officials said the format aims to reduce extreme strategies tied to elimination races. Teams will focus on finishing well every week rather than gambling on single events to survive the playoffs.
Homestead remains the championship stage
Hamlin said the final race at Homestead-Miami still carries significant importance in deciding the title. He explained that the championship can still come down to the finale, but only if the standings remain close after nine Chase races.
“Well, from a pure standpoint, it’s better. It is going to be better. I still think that the champion will be crowned at Homestead, as people want it to be. But if they get, if they lock in the championship before, that clearly means they were head and shoulders above everyone else and deserve it.”
NASCAR said it developed the revised Chase after feedback from teams, drivers, and fans. The format keeps the Chase name while removing eliminations and resets. Hamlin’s comments outline how the system ties the championship more closely to performance over the whole season as NASCAR prepares for 2026.
Denny Hamlin on NASCAR’s 2026 Chase Format: “From a Pure Standpoint, It’s Better”