Hamlin slams ‘unimaginable’ decision to scrap – Sports News
Denny Hamlin has criticised NASCAR’s “incredible” decision to scrap its common season championship.
Hamlin is having fun with one of essentially the most dominant NASCAR Cup Series seasons in latest reminiscence, main the championship standings by 68 factors with 4 victories to his title. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has additionally produced an astonishing 3.64 average end on non-drafting ovals in 2026 — a mark not seen since Richard Petty in 1977.
However, regardless of placing collectively the type of marketing campaign followers have waited many years to see, Hamlin will no longer be rewarded with a trophy he appeared destined to declare.
As half of NASCAR’s low season overhaul, the common season title has been scrapped, that means the factors chief on the finish of the common marketing campaign will no longer obtain a formal championship or trophy, however will merely enter the playoffs as the highest seed.
During his Actions Detrimental podcast, co-host Jared introduced up Hamlin’s commanding regular-season lead with a trace of pleasure. Hamlin confirmed he held a 68-point benefit total and was 84 factors clear of Ryan Blaney, earlier than the dialogue rapidly turned to the implications of NASCAR’s rule adjustments.
“They don’t want me to be a champion,” mentioned Hamlin. “I’m pretty sure, Jared, that as part of the press release for the new playoff format, the regular season title is gone. So there is no regular season champion anymore.”
Jared’s response rapidly modified, saying: “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” “It’s incredible,” Hamlin added. “The one time you win the regular season, they get rid of it.”
NASCAR’s regular-season title elimination is only one half of a main championship overhaul. The elimination playoff format has been scrapped, with The Chase returning because the title will now be determined over a 10-race stretch, with the driving force scoring essentially the most factors topped champion at Homestead.
The playoff factors system has additionally been eliminated, that means race and stage wins will no longer present a postseason benefit. All title contenders will now begin the championship battle on equal footing.
The prime 16 drivers will enter The Chase with staggered factors, with the regular-season chief beginning on 2,100 factors and receiving a 25-point benefit over the remaining of the sphere. However, the title itself has been eliminated. NASCAR has additionally elevated the worth of race wins, with victories now price 55 factors in contrast to 40 beforehand. Winning a race and each levels can earn a driver 76 factors in a single occasion.
The adjustments are notably important for Hamlin, whose four-win common season would beforehand have created a large playoff factors cushion. Instead, his 68-point lead will develop into simply a 25-point benefit when the championship battle begins, leaving each driver on a more degree enjoying subject. “If we can keep this momentum going and avoid bad luck, I think it’ll be hard for the field to catch us,” Hamlin mentioned. “But you never know what kind of wreck you can get caught up in.”
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